PDRL returns to Magic Weekend

Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) will make its long-anticipated return to Super League’s Magic Weekend on June 3 at St James’ Park, Newcastle.

PDRL last featured at Magic Weekend in 2019, at Anfield, when Leeds Rhinos took on Warrington Wolves. This year it will be Salford Red Devils and Wigan Warriors who will enjoy the ‘magic’ experience when they take to the pitch during half time of Salford versus Hull KR on Saturday 3 June.

The inclusive version of Rugby League has seen a huge surge in interest since the England PDRL Community Lions were victorious in the inaugural PDRL World Cup last Autumn. Now fans in the North East will have the chance to cheer on some of those international heroes on – including Wigan’s own Michelle Melling who is now Head Coach of the England PDRL Community Lions.

As well as the incredible Magic Weekend opportunity, there will also be a full PDRL Festival hosted at Kingston Park alongside the Learning Disability Super League which will include nine different teams showcasing the very best of inclusive Rugby League.

Salford Red Devils Wheelchair and PDRL player, Heather Robinson, says:

“Rugby League is the most inclusive sport out there; there’s a format for everyone.

“I became a Salford fan at 15 – two years later I was diagnosed with cancer and with it came a permanent disability due to the location of the tumour. PDRL gives me the opportunity to play the game and represent the club I love. The opportunity to showcase this today on such a massive stage is mind blowing and lets the world know that the game is open to all.”

Wigan Warriors Head Coach, Gareth Roughton, explains:

“As a team we are really excited to have the opportunity to play at Magic Weekend in Newcastle. Having this kind of platform to showcase PDRL in front of a crowd of this size can really give a massive profile boost for this format of Rugby League.  

“The team have been working hard this season and I know Salford have been training a lot too, so it should be a tough game and we don’t take anything for granted. 

“Myself, the coaching staff and the players are excited to be representing Wigan Warriors on such a big stage and want to show everyone what we are capable of.”

PDRL is a full contact version of the game adapted for participants with a physical disability who want to access a running version of Rugby League. The game includes full contact tackles, but players who have a disability that restricts them from safely playing full contact are permitted to play Touch Rugby League tackle rules.