The RFL is proud to support International Disability Awareness Day on Tuesday December 3 – an opportunity for all to focus on and show a greater understanding of the adversity faced by those with physical and mental disabilities across the world.
It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions to the incredible sport that is Rugby League.
Wheelchair Rugby League
In 2024, a new format for Wheelchair Rugby League’s competitions was confirmed, with an expanded Championship split over three of three regional conferences in addition to the topflight Betfred Wheelchair Super League.
During the Wheelchair Betfred Super League Grand Final against Halifax Panthers., Leeds Rhinos clinched their first Super League title since their treble-winning season of 2021.
Catalans Dragons were crowned champions of European Wheelchair Rugby League after a dominant display against Wigan Warriors at Robin Park Arena on 6 April.
Internationally, the England Wheelchair Rugby League team saw two successful victories against rivals France and Spain.
Physical Disability Rugby League
PDRL has had another successful year after building on the back of the England PDRL Community Lions historic triumph in the 2022 World Cup with a record 11 teams taking part in the competition this year.
The England Community Lions PDRL team took on a two-game series that was the pinnacle of this year’s international programme, with the squad selected off the back of development days and domestic representative fixtures. These came as part of a new international programme developed to incorporate a more inclusive approach to representative PDRL.
During PDRL Finals Day, that took centre stage in Castleford on 14 September. Wakefield Trinity captured their Physical Disability Rugby League Grand Final title after the top 4 teams fiercely battled for the 2024 crown.
Learning Disability Rugby League
With more than 400 registered players across 19 clubs, the massive growth in participation highlights the clear need for sporting opportunities in the Learning Disability community.
This milestone comes as the Learning Disability Super League programme has been shortlisted as one of the best sports community projects in the world by the prestigious Sports Business Awards. The 2024 season has been driven by several new innovations to enhance the skills, understanding and confidence of coaches and volunteers delivering the programme, created by the national social care charity, Community Integrated Care.
