First-ever PDRL World Cup to be held in 2021

Players from Leeds Rhinos Foundation’s Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) team could have the chance to showcase their talents on the international stage after plans were revealed to stage the first-ever PDRL World Cup during next year’s showpiece tournament- The Rugby League World Cup 2021.

The five-team tournament, featuring sides from England, Australia, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales, will be held in Warrington from 1 November 2021 and will be a festival of exciting and competitive international PDRL. The event culminates with a final hosted at the Halliwell Jones Stadium ahead of France v Samoa in the final men’s group A match, on 7 November 2021.

In a landmark moment for the sport, the inaugural PDRL World Cup will coincide with the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair tournaments taking place next year, adding to the commitment of it being the most inclusive Rugby League World Cup ever.

The PDRL game has continued to go from strength-to-strength in recent years, with Leeds Rhinos Foundation considered one of the pioneering forces behind the growth of this adapted form of rugby league in the UK, alongside Warrington Wolves and Castleford Tigers.

After a successful opening season of the PDRL League in 2019, the announcement of a PDRL World Cup is another exciting milestone for the sport which will create more opportunities for players to achieve lifelong dreams of representing their country.

RLWC2021 Chief Executive Jon Dutton said: “We are delighted that we can deliver this first-ever PDRL World Cup alongside the Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair competitions in what will certainly be the biggest, best and importantly most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in history.

“The action will be intense, and the final being staged at Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium before the France v Samoa game ensures not only a big crowd but also a fitting finale to this historic tournament.”

The Rugby Football League have confirmed they will shortly be inviting applications for roles to support the England PDRL team in their bid to win the PDRL World Cup next year.

For more information, please visit https://www.rlwc2021.com/.

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