Leeds Rhinos Foundation is delighted to announce that it has received a generous donation from comedian Adam Hills to support the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team.
As a lifelong rugby league fan, Hills has been a driving force behind growing the PDRL game in this country and making the sport accessible to all parts of the community. The Australian has continued to turn out for Warrington Wolves PDRL since featuring in the first ever PDRL England match against Leeds Rhinos Foundation back in March 2018, alongside his The Last Leg co-host Alex Brooker.
Having lost out on a 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic, Hills has offered a helping hand to each of the five teams represented in the PDRL League by making a donation from the proceeds of his Channel 4 documentary ‘Take His Legs,’ which told the remarkable story of how PDRL has helped those involved to unite, achieve and overcome.
Hills hopes the funds will help each team to navigate through this difficult financial period and continue to provide a platform for players with physical disabilities to showcase their talents and fulfil their rugby league dreams.
Whilst the Rhinos PDRL players have recently returned to training under social distancing measures, Head of Community & Engagement Gareth Cook is thankful for this show of support from Hills to ensure the side can continue until competitive action resumes.
“On behalf of Leeds Rhinos Foundation, I would like to thank Adam Hills for this amazing gesture,” said Cook. “Adam has significantly raised the profile of the sport and Take His Legs was a fantastic example of this, showcasing what some of our players and their families have gone through and how they have used Physical Disability Rugby League as a vehicle to re-engage with the game.
“We are all very grateful to Adam for his generous donation which will help us sustain the PDRL game in these times of uncertainty.”
The Leeds Rhinos Foundation PDRL team has enjoyed great success since launching in 2018, facing off against Hills’ Warrington Wolves side at several high profile events, including the Dacia Magic Weekend at Anfield in front of 30,000 spectators. Last season saw the Rhinos finish third in the PDRL League, qualifying for the inaugural PDRL Finals Day which was hosted by Leeds Rhinos Foundation at Selby RUFC.
For more information on Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s PDRL team and details of how you can support them, please email Gareth.cook@leedsrhinosfoundation.org.
