Last week, members of the community gathered at the Civic Hall to celebrate the achievements of the Leeds Rhinos Physical Disability Rugby League team, ahead of the 2026 season.
The event, organised by Simon Brown, current Leeds Rhinos PDRL Coach and former Mayor of Morley, marked a significant moment for the sport and the local community.
Since becoming involved with the Leeds Rhinos PDRL team since its set up, Brown has continued to champion inclusivity in sport. A former Leeds Rhinos PDRL player and now coach, Simon has enjoyed a remarkable journey with the team, winning the inaugural PDRL match in the UK in 2018, guiding the team to become national champions in 2022 with a thrilling golden point extra-time victory over Wakefield and coaching multiple players involved with the England PDRL Community Lions squad.
The Civic Hall event provided an opportunity for Leeds City Council and Leeds Rhinos Foundation to celebrate the growth and impact of Physical Disability Rugby League. It also served as the official launch for the 2026 PDRL season and a chance for the player sponsors to come together ahead of the first fixture.
The Leeds Rhinos Physical Disability Rugby League team were crowned 2025 PDRL Champions last year after an outstanding day of rugby saw them defeat Warrington Wolves 22-0 in the Semi-Final and overcome Wakefield Trinity 12-4 in a hard-fought Grand Final. The team are looking to build on this success in 2026 in hope of retaining their title.
Commenting on the event, Simon Brown said:
“I think since the 2012 Paralympics, there is now a huge understanding that there is opportunities out there disabled people.
“What this team does is prove that we are not just participants, we are champions and with support from the club and city, we have got a group of people who haven’t just got out there to have fun, enjoy themselves and be part of a community, but have got out there and achieved so much more.
“What I want from this event is to show that anybody in this city with a disability can get stuck in and find something to do because there are opportunities out there for you.”
The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Lord Mayor Councillor Dan Cohen and Leeds Rhinos Foundation CEO Bob Bowman QPM, each reflecting on the transformative power of sport and the importance of gaining support from the local community.
Commenting on the opportunities that this team provides people in the city with physical disabilities, CEO of the Leeds Rhinos Foundation, Bob Bowman, added: “Last year was an unbelievable year and they are such a talented, committed group who represent our badge with such pride and dignity.
“I have always had a fondness for this squad because they are opening up opportunities for people with disabilities to use their abilities to the best of their ability which is just fantastic to see and they are fantastic role models for this city.”