Halifax Panthers to represent England in inaugural European Wheelchair Rugby League Club Championship

Following the success of last autumn's Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, another showpiece Anglo-French occasion has been arranged for Friday August 25, when the Betfred Wheelchair Super League champions Halifax Panthers will cross the channel to face their French counterparts Catalans Dragons in the inaugural European Club Championship.

The match, which will be played in the outstanding facilities of the Sports Complex Germanor in Cabestany, near Perpignan, will follow on from the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final on Sunday week, August 20, when the Catalans will travel to face Leeds Rhinos at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Malcolm Kielty MBE, one of the founding fathers of Wheelchair Rugby League who is the manager of the Panthers, said: "We are excited and honoured to represent England in this first European Club Championship fixture.

"It is a tough challenge to take on the Catalans in France, but it will be a unique experience for our players."

The Panthers were crowned Betfred Wheelchair Super League champions for 2022 with a thrilling Grand Final win over Leeds in Manchester last October, while the Catalans recently retained their French title.