2023’s latest Rugby League inclusion fixture comes hot on the heels of last weekend’s match between Toulouse Olympique and Bradford Bulls – and this time it’s the Bulls who host when they entertain Keighley Cougars at Odsal Stadium on Sunday (KO 3pm).
Inclusion fixtures are an opportunity for clubs to showcase the development work they do both within their clubs and the wider community, where collectively they are strengthening foundations and making new connections with diverse groups and individuals.
Toulouse Olympique delivered one of the biggest celebrations of inclusion and diversity in Rugby League to date last Saturday – on and off the pitch – when they played Bradford at the Stade Ernest-Wallon. And this weekend the Bulls have big 'Inclusivity Day' plans of their own when they welcome local rivals Keighley Cougars to Odsal.
The Bulls currently sit sixth in the Betfred Championship ladder, seven points ahead of ninth-placed Keighley. As well as the action on the pitch, supporters of both sides can enjoy a range of stalls and activities on the Odsal concourse, where local organisations such as NHS Gender Outreach and Special Autism Awareness will showcase their services – all part of the club’s vision to create a diverse, inclusive environment that represents the wider community of Bradford.
Also at the heart of Sunday’s inclusion activities – as they are throughout the year – will be the Bulls Foundation, whose stall will be among several on the concourse and who will be running interactive sessions with the club’s Wheelchair team.
Bradford Bulls captain Michael Lawrence, a member of Rugby League’s game-wide Inclusion Board, says: “The Bulls are doing a great job of inclusivity with Men’s, Women’s, Wheelchair and PDRL teams, and Sunday will be a day for everyone to enjoy.
“My parents were born in Jamaica and came here in the 1970s as teenagers. I’m very proud of my Jamaican heritage and making my Jamaica debut against England Knights at Headingley in 2019 was a great occasion. I’m proud to have represented Jamaica at the World Cup, and of our legacy work before and during the tournament with under-privileged communities, trying to inspire them to play Rugby League.”
RFL Inclusion Lead, Ben Abberstein, adds: “Bradford will be UK City of Culture in 2025 and the Bulls are doing everything they can to be part of that opportunity to showcase the incredible vibrancy and diversity of the city. The club will be stronger in the long run for all the planning and progress they are making now, and Rugby League itself will be a stronger sport too – one that is truly representative of all its communities.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are on sale now via the Bradford Bulls website.
Supporters at all games are encouraged to report any discriminatory or abusive language to their nearest steward.
