England Wheelchair Rugby League’s next generation will be in the spotlight on Saturday (25 July) as the Junior and Women's Exhibition Matches provide the curtain-raiser to the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final at Robin Park Leisure Centre, Wigan.
The activity forms the second event in the RFL’s new Women’s and Junior Pathway programme which has been created to provide more playing opportunities and establish a clear pathway towards future England representative honours.
The festival will be played in a 5-a-side format with players from across England being mixed into teams and all matches played on the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final pitch.
The top two teams from the Junior festival will qualify for the Junior Final with the top two Women’s festival teams qualifying for the Women’s Final. Both Finals will be played simultaneously during half-time of the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final giving players the opportunity to perform in front of a packed arena.
The event will give some of the game's brightest emerging players the opportunity to experience a high-quality development environment on one of the biggest stages in domestic Wheelchair Rugby League.
The programme was developed following feedback from players who highlighted a desire for more dedicated playing opportunities and a visible route towards international competition. It supports the development of coaches, match officials and support staff alongside players, complementing the sport’s existing inclusive competition structure.
The long-term ambition is to establish regular international fixtures for Women's and Junior Wheelchair Rugby League, while continuing to strengthen the inclusive ethos that has made the sport so successful.
Tom Coyd MBE, Head of Pathways (Wheelchair), said:
"Our first festival in Nottingham showed exactly why this programme is so important. We saw players from different clubs build new relationships, challenge themselves in a positive environment and embrace what it means to be part of the England pathway.
"Bringing the second event to the Challenge Cup Final allows our players to experience performing on one of the biggest stages in domestic Wheelchair Rugby League. Those experiences are invaluable, and they give players something to aspire to as they continue their development.
"While the opportunity to play during the Challenge Cup Final is exciting, our focus remains exactly the same. We want players to enjoy themselves, learn, support one another and continue becoming great teammates. Those qualities will always be at the heart of what we're trying to build."
The final event of the 2026 pathway programme takes place at York Sport Centre on Saturday 29 August. Players interested in future pathway opportunities can contact tom.coyd@englandrl.com.
