Super League team reveal new wheelchair side following World Cup success

The 2021 Rugby League World Cup was arguably the best ever, even if it wasn’t the most successful tournament on record for England.

Part of what made the tournament so special was the fact that for the first time ever the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments all took place at the same time as they ran alongside each other.

Moreover every game was televised which led to huge exposure for all three sports but in particular the wheelchair game which became somewhat of a viral sensation.

New people and fresh eyes were watching a sport that they’d been completely unaware of and the love for the game only increased with England winning the title in a close-fought game against rivals France.

Wheelchair Rugby League is now receiving interest far and wide with many set to look forward to the upcoming season which will see Halifax Panthers try and defend their crown.

A new team will be on the scene in 2023 though with Hull Kingston Rovers announcing that they’re set to form a wheelchair side with the huge market of Humberside now set to have a second professional side.

The Hull KR foundation hinted the news earlier on in the day but it’s now been confirmed.

Coming Soon… 👨‍🦽

Announcement at 12pm 👀#RobinsTogether❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/I1gobmbFHt

— Hull KR Foundation (@HKRFoundation) January 13, 2023

That teaser was followed with the official announcement that KR would be represented in the wheelchair game as well.

Via their website KR made the following comments.

“Hull KR Foundation are delighted to announce the launch of our Wheelchair Rugby team, following on from the success of England’s national team at the recent World Cup.

“Using a grant acquired through CreatedBy RLWC2021 Capital Grants Programme at the beginning of 2022, we are able to introduce a Wheelchair provision to the Foundation’s community teams, further highlighting the inclusivity of both Hull KR and Rugby League.

“The launch event takes place on Sunday 26^th February at 11:30am, and will be held at St Mary’s College, Cranbrook Avenue, Kingston upon Hull, HU6 7TN.

“This unique training session will offer new participants the chance to take part in a fast-moving variant of Rugby League and will be attended by current England International player to support the session.”

Hull KR Foundation are proud to announce a new Wheelchair Rugby League team 🙌🏉

Read here 👉 https://t.co/zwxFLfNozj#RobinsTogether❤️🤍 pic.twitter.com/NRVQTZd8cB

— Hull KR Foundation (@HKRFoundation) January 13, 2023

It’s also been announced that the side will be coached by Liam Waslin, who also commented on the brilliant development.

“I am excited to see the Wheelchair programme grow and provide opportunities to disabled and non-disabled people to play an inclusive variant of Rugby League,” he explained.

“With the World Cup grabbing the attention of people all over the world, but particularly here in England, there is no better time to get involved.

“We welcome individuals of any level, both disabled and non-disabled, to take part as this inclusive sport is growing quickly and further extends the incredibly inclusive Robins brand.”

The brilliant news of this expansion of wheelchair rugby league comes on the same day that one of the legends of the sport, Leeds Rhinos and England icon James Simpson announced his retirement.

For more information on the career of Simpson and news of his retirement, it was reported earlier here.