RFL sets out vision for Women's and Junior Wheelchair international pathway as 2026 programme confirmed

The Rugby Football League has outlined its ambition to create future England representative opportunities for Women's and Junior Wheelchair Rugby League players to compete on the international stage, as it confirms a 2026 programme of activity.

Feedback gathered from players highlighted a clear appetite for more dedicated opportunities to play, a supportive and inclusive environment, and a visible pathway towards international competition. The 2026 programme has been designed in direct response to those insights, providing a foundation for the continued growth of the game.

The Junior pathway will be open to players aged 12-16, while the Women's pathway will provide opportunities for players aged 16 and over.

Three events have been confirmed for 2026, bringing players together from across the country in a mix of festival and match environments:

Saturday 2 May – Junior and Women’s Festival

Venue: Sutton Bonington Sports Centre, Nottingham

Saturday 25 July – Junior and Women’s Exhibition Matches to curtain-raise the Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final

Venue: Robin Park Leisure Centre, Wigan

Saturday 29 August – Junior and Women Festival

Venue: York Sport Centre, York

The festival events in Nottingham and York will see players organised into mixed teams, bringing together individuals from different clubs to compete in a series of shorter-format matches designed to maximise playing time. The format is intended to create a welcoming and supportive environment, enabling players to develop with confidence while experiencing the demands of the game.

The exhibition matches in July will offer players the opportunity to experience a representative-style environment, performing on a major stage as part of the Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final event.

The introduction of women's activity is intended to complement the existing inclusive structure of wheelchair rugby league, which remains central to the sport. These additional opportunities are designed to broaden access, support development and strengthen the overall player pathway.

Alongside player development, the programme will also create opportunities for emerging coaches, player-coaches and support staff to gain experience within a national pathway environment. A number of developing leaders from across the domestic game will be involved in delivering the programme, including Vicky Brooks (Wakefield Trinity), Stacey Roulson (Sheffield Eagles), Ian Stapleton (Halifax Panthers), Greg Brown (Sheffield Eagles), Michael Collins (Leeds Rhinos), and Tom Simms (Leigh Leopards).

This programme represents an important step towards establishing a clear and sustainable international pathway for Women's and Junior players in Wheelchair Rugby League, aligned with the RFL's wider commitment to growing the game and ensuring it remains one of the most inclusive and accessible forms of rugby league.

Tom Coyd MBE, Head of Pathways (Wheelchair), said:

“This programme is shaped by what players tell us they want, alongside what we believe they need to support their development. There is a clear appetite for more opportunities to play, to develop and ultimately to represent.

“Our ambition is to stage competitive international Women’s and Junior matches. For that to become a reality, we hope to see other nations continue to grow and develop their own pathways alongside us.

“Just as importantly, this work sits alongside and strengthens the inclusive nature of wheelchair rugby league. It is about creating more opportunities for more people, building on what already makes the sport so special.”

To register for these events please follow the link here.