In recent times we have seen Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors and Halifax Panthers at the forefront of Wheelchair Rugby League in this country with Hull FC, Hull KR and others striving to join the mix at the top.
Now another Super League club is in the mix. That is the Leigh Leopards who after the launch of their reserves team are set to hold Wheelchair rugby taster sessions with the ambition of developing a team of their own moving forward.
This comes after a financial grant and the club released the following statement confirming this exciting development both for them but also for the the sport of wheelchair rugby which is on a continued high after the success of the World Cup last year and the continued rivalry between England and France.
Leigh confirmed the news saying: “Following on from the amazing games at the weekend, the Leopards will be launching their very own Wheelchair sessions starting on Saturday with our first taster session, at the Leigh Sports Centre 1-3pm, everyone is welcome to come down and give it a try.
“The Foundation were awarded funding from the Rugby League World Cup Capital Grant to purchase the specialised sports wheelchairs and equipment in order to run the sessions and eventually a team.”
Hannah Forbes from the Leopards Foundation commented “We are really excited to introduce another form of inclusive rugby league to the Leopards, after watching the Wheelchair game at the World Cup, we knew we needed to bring it to the Leopards and set up our own team, Saturday is the accumulation of hard work from everyone at the Leopards to see it come to fruition”
Leigh are a team growing and growing at present with their women’s team now a year old after a successful campaign which saw them nearly secure promotion after finishing second in the league.
The Leopards are holding trials for their women’s team: “Leigh Leopards women’s team enjoyed an incredible debut season, finishing in second place in the table and just falling just short of promotion via the play-offs. Could you help Kieron & his team go one step further next season and achieve their goal of promotion? There is no better way to find out than attending one of our trial training sessions.
“Two sessions will be held at Leigh East, the first on the 21st of November & then a second session the following week on the 28th. The session is open to anybody with no history of Rugby League required, so you may discover a hidden talent. It’s a great opportunity to get fit, meet new people and be part of an incredible family.”
Womens’ Coach Kieron Purtill has offered an open invitation anybody who may be interested “This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of our women’s team and build on the success of 2023 season as we continue to push forward with our ultimate goal of playing in Super league 1. Put yourself in the shop window by being involved in our two trial sessions. Session 1 skills & games based leading into session 2 of a game scenario – be part of the roar.”
