Rugby League’s Grand Day Out returns

October is a special time for Rugby League, with Grand Finals played and champions determined – and that also includes the Grand Day Out, which returns to Blackpool on Saturday 4 October.

The day is a celebration of community, inclusivity, and the unifying power of the sport.

Bringing together Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL), Learning Disability Super League (LDSL) and Tryz events, the day shines a spotlight on the diversity within the game and offers players of all abilities the chance to take centre stage. It’s more than just a matchday – it’s an important reminder that Rugby League is a sport for everyone.

Through 2025, participation has continued to increase and we have seen record numbers of involvement across all Disability Rugby League Variants. The Grand Day out is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the involvement of all participants and support.

And Blackpool provides the perfect festival location, given the host of other attractions which in October include the famous Illuminations.

The Grand Day Out will take place at the Common Edge Community Sports Village – home of community Rugby League club, Blackpool Scorpions.

Physical Disability Rugby League

After a long season PDRL will host its finals day as part of the Grand Day out. There has been continued growth in the sport with new playing levels on offer for classified participation.

The Medequip Cup, a regional representative programme, has supported and driven this growth, not only in general club participation, but in classified participant audiences. More levels of participation in aspirational environments has ensured a visible pyramid of performance and greater opportunity to access it is available for players.

The PDRL Finals Day will bring together the top four teams from the Premier Division – Leeds Rhinos, Wakefield Trinity, Wigan Warriors, and Warrington Wolves. These sides will compete in the semi-finals, followed by a final to crown the 2025 champion. A play-off will also take place between the 3rd and 4th place teams.

In total, 10 teams and around 250 players will be involved in the day, with those outside of the finals also taking part in additional activities that showcase the depth and spirit of the PDRL community.

Learning Disability Super League

LDSL is a non-competitive and completely inclusive format of Rugby League, designed to give individuals with learning disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the game in a safe, fun and supportive environment.

Whilst playing Rugby League is at the core of this offer, diverse ways to engage mean all individuals can access the sport in a way that is comfortable for them. All participants are celebrated in the LDSL, regardless of how they engage, creating hugely impactful opportunities through Rugby League.

Running alongside the PDRL Finals Day, the LDSL event will be a vibrant celebration of inclusion, with 24 teams from 18 club foundations taking part. With around 400 players involved it’s one of the biggest gatherings of the LDSL calendar, and the final event before the season draws to a close. 

The event is delivered in partnership with Community Integrated Care, one of the UK’s largest social care charities, whose work has been instrumental in supporting the growth and success of the LDSL nationwide. As we approach the 10th year of Community Integrated Care’s involvement in the sport, the Grand Day Out represents a fantastic way to end the year for all.

Tryz

Launched in 2022, Tryz is a fun and friendly disability-inclusive Rugby League initiative for young people, inspired by Touch and Tag Rugby principles. Delivered by community clubs and professional foundations, it is supported by partners Access Sport, who provide a welcoming environment for all participants. 

The Tryz programme is aimed at young people with all disabilities and impairments and ensures all have a fun and enjoyable introduction to the sport with a view to signpost and enter impairment specific offers when appropriate.

Access Sport is a charity which helps clubs, organisations and volunteers to unleash their potential and transform the lives of under-served young people in their local communities.

For the first time, teams from across the programme will come together for a festival of activity in a milestone moment which places enjoyment and inclusion at its heart.

This pan-disability event offers many young people their first introduction to Rugby League, creating a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone can take part, make friends, and have fun through the game.