The 2021 World Cup was a huge event that incorporated the men’s, women’s and wheelchair World Cup’s all together for the very first time with fans attending in huge numbers at all three tournaments on top of the impressive TV viewing figures.
For many it was the first insight into wheelchair rugby league, a sport that was a relative unknown for plenty of rugby league fans, not least the wider general public.
That was until England took to the court though and lit the tournament up catching the attention of the nation with the BBC coverage highlighting the incredible efforts of the likes of Tom Halliwell and Jack Brown.
The domestic season has also now captured the attention of fans given the huge success of the World Cup in which England lifted the trophy, and that success continues this weekend with Magic Weekend set for Gillingham.
All the action on Sunday will be broadcast live on the Sportsman Youtube channel with the fixtures as follows:
Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves, KO 10.30am
Leeds Rhinos v Hull FC, KO 12.30pm
London Roosters v Halifax Panthers, 2.30pm
One huge name of rugby league that isn’t on that list is St Helens and that’s because they don’t have a team, that is until now.
St Helens have now announced via their website that they’re set to launch a wheelchair rugby league team.
“Ahead of the Saints’ Inclusion Round Double Header with our First Team facing Leeds Rhinos and our Women taking on York Valkyrie, both the SCDF and St. Helens R.F.C. are delighted to confirm this news, meaning even more people within our community will get to wear the famous Red V.
“On the back of England’s success at the 2021 Rugby League World Cup last Autumn, in which Wheelchair Rugby League got wide and well-deserved attention, work began with the SCDF to launch a Wheelchair provision to our Foundation’s community teams. Adding to our inclusive sides such as the country’s biggest Learning Disability Rugby League (LDRL), and our soon-to-be re-launched Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team.
“In partnership with St. Helens R.F.C., the Saints Community Development Foundation is an independent charitable trust that works within our local community and beyond with a wide array of programmes and initiatives.
Mike Rush, CEO at St. Helens spoke about the news that the SCDF is to launch a Wheelchair team and said: “The Foundation and the Club are beyond delighted that work’s begun to bring Wheelchair Rugby League to the people in the community of our town.
“Seeing the success of the sport at the Rugby League World Cup shows just how positive playing the game can be for people from all sorts of backgrounds, regardless of limitations. Rugby league is a game for all, and this is yet another showcase that we at St. Helens want everyone to be part of our game.”
SCDF Director Steve Leonard added proudly: “This is an exciting project as the Saints Community Development Foundation seeks to increase the opportunities for people in our community to play rugby league.
“We’ve seen the success of our LDRL side being the biggest in the country, we’re re-launching our PDRL team, and now to have in the future a Wheelchair Rugby League side wearing the Red V will be just as special to see.”
The SCDF is in the early stages of launching our Wheelchair Rugby League team and are asking those who wish to register their interest to please email SCDF@saintsrlfc.com.
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