This Saturday will mark one of the biggest days in the calendar for Disability Rugby League when the University of Hull hosts a major festival featuring Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability Rugby League.
The Black & Whites will play host to the festival, featuring over 600 participants, on Saturday 15th July across the day at the Allam Sports Centre and university sports pitches.
All six Betfred Wheelchair Super League sides, including the Black & Whites, will compete in a Challenge Cup qualifying tournament alongside the current Coupe De France champions, Catalans Dragons, who made history in 2022 when they became the first French side to enter the competition.
Each team will compete in a round robin tournament, with the top two clubs earning their place in this year’s Final at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on Sunday 20th August.
Catalans Dragons made it all the way to the final in their debut season, but a sensational performance from Leeds Rhinos meant that James Simpson’s side eventually went on to win the match 48-34 and claim their third successive Wheelchair Challenge Cup.
And Wheelchair Rugby League kicks off the whole festival from 10.30am, with an eight team Trophy competition for the sport’s developing wheelchair teams – including Bradford Bulls and Sheffield Eagles, and Wheelchair Championship leaders North Wales Crusaders.
Outdoors, on the sports ground opposite the Allam Sports Centre, spectators can experience the best of both physical and learning disability Rugby League, with teams including the Airlie Birds will all be in action from 11.00am.
Rugby Football League’s Director of Participation and Development, Marc Lovering, said: “We are really looking forward to returning to the University of Hull on July 15. The Allam Sports Centre is a wonderful facility, and we have many happy memories at the venue – including last year’s Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final.
“We have seen huge interest in Wheelchair Rugby League since England’s historic victory in the World Cup last Autumn, and I am pleased to announce that the trophy competition has grown to include eight teams this year.
“The event will be a fantastic showcase for Inclusive Rugby League with over 600 Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability players coming together in one location. Entry to the event is free, so I would encourage anyone looking for an action-packed day out to come and watch.”
The full schedule can be found below:
Wheelchair Trophy Competition: 10.30am – 1.00pm
PDRL & LDRL Festivals: 11.00am – 1.00pm
Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Qualifying Competition: 1.15pm – 4.00pm
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