Physical Disability Rugby League
Physical Disability Rugby League (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.
Notably, landmark events have taken place such as Warrington travelling to Australia to play and win in the first-ever PDRL World Club Challenge. The fixture was inspired by comedian – and PDRL player – Adam Hills who is an integral part of the Warrington side and had always wanted to play for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Hills is a big advocate for PDRL bringing a documentary named ‘Adam Hills: Take His Legs’ to Channel 4 in 2019 which details Warrington’s trip Down Under.
PDRL is a competitive offer but has a wider focus on enjoyment in participating in team sport as well as the impact on all the wider social benefits the sport of Rugby League provides. Players can join a team to get involved with training sessions, festivals, and competitions.
PDRL, in the UK, is played on a 50m X 100m pitch and is a nine-a-side version of Rugby League. Teams include a minimum of seven physically disabled players and two non-disabled players who act as facilitators, although this is not a prerequisite, during the game.
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 RL tackle rules. On the field, these players are identified by wearing red shorts. There is a maximum of two physically disabled players on the field of play at any one-time playing Touch RL rules.
Included in a typical year for a PDRL player, are regular team training sessions hosted by Club Foundations.
Also, a series of competitive festivals take place throughout the year, to which all teams are invited. This also includes PDRL teams playing festivals and showcase games during major events in the Rugby League calendar, including The Super League Dacia Magic Weekend and the Grand Final events. PDRL creates incredible experiences for players.
The development of the new England Lions PDRL team has created opportunities to play at a regional and international level.
CONTACTS
Castleford Tigers - matlancaster@castigers.com
Leeds Rhinos - ben.berry@leedsrhinosfoundation.org / ed.bates@leedsrhinosfoundation.org
Wakefield Trinity - charlie.doherty@wakefieldtrinity.com
Warrington Wolves - andrewbrady@warringtonwolvesfoundation.com
Wigan Warriors - m.stoneley@wiganwarriors.com / disabilityrugby@wiganwarriors.com
Bradford - ryan.hunkin@bullsfoundation.org
Salford - craig.fisher@salfordcc.ac.uk
Leigh - hannah@leighcommunitytrust.co.uk / scottburnscoaching@hotmail.com
