Martin Coyd, the General Manager of England Wheelchair Rugby League has written to all the clubs in the country about moves to make a women-only strand of the sport a reality in the near future. Here’s what he said in the letter:
“There is a strong voice for Wheelchair Rugby League to embrace a Women’s game so that women can play against women and be a part of the thrilling emergence of Women’s sport. This does not mean that we are moving away from our unique and (most) inclusive element of our sport where everybody plays at the same level on the same pitch. However, as we grow, we are moving towards an Under 16 format for next year to provide more opportunities for younger players, all inclusive.
On Challenge Cup Final Day at Sheffield on Sunday 20 August 2023, we will be holding a Wheelchair Rugby League session exclusively for women, of all ages. We will deliver a coaching session with the Head Coach and Players from the World Champion England Team. The participants will then be guests at the Challenge Trophy Final (Sheffield v Gravesend) and Challenge Cup Final (Leeds v Catalans) and we plan to put on an exhibition match at half time.
Full details will be out very soon, timings, how to book a place, what to bring etc;
Meanwhile, Halifax Panthers Wheelchair Rugby League team have invited any women interested in getting involved with the sport to contact them direct by emailing
Nikki on nickisling1966@hotmail.co.uk or Malcolm on Malcolm.kielty@outlook.com
