As a company committed to supporting the world of sport through our Gel Ovations Sports product range, we were excited to hear the announcement of the most inclusive rugby league event ever!
Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup 2021
The Rugby League Wheelchair World Cup will see the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments played together for the first time. The nations confirmed to be battling for the trophy are:
- England (Hosts)
- Australia
- France (Holders)
- Norway
- Scotland
- Spain
- United States of America
- Wales
RLWC2021 will begin with the men’s opening fixture featuring England at St James’ Park, Newcastle on Saturday 23rd October 2021.
The women’s tournament will begin at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium on Saturday 13th November 2021 and the wheelchair tournament will begin on Sunday 14th November 2021 at the Copper Box Arena, with England both featuring in those opening fixtures. The event will finish with a finals weekend (27th-28th November) with the wheelchair tournament concluding at the M&S Bank Arena and men’s and women’s final held as a double-header at Old Trafford.
Speaking about the announcement, Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of the Rugby League World Cup 2021, said: “I would like to congratulate each nation that has been chosen to take part in the wheelchair tournament.
We had some fantastic submissions and unfortunately, we couldn’t say yes to each nation, however, we’re confident the chosen nations will play their role in delivering the greatest, and most inclusive, Rugby League World Cup of all time. It is especially pleasing to see North America and Scandinavia represented for the first time.”
RLIF Chief Executive Officer Nigel Wood, said: “Wheelchair rugby league is one of the most spectacular versions of a fantastic sport it is as close to the running game of rugby that could ever be devised to be played in a wheelchair.
“The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup has demonstrated in the most recent past that it can deliver tremendous excitement for the players and the spectators alike. We expect RLWC2021 to take this exceptional sporting concept to a whole new level”
“Once again we are seeing new nations participating and growing the sport. It is a key priority to the RLIF, as the guardians of the development of our sport globally, to work with our members to grow and develop participation in all aspects of rugby league. The RLIF Wheelchair World Cup is a further example of that important role.
“If you are only prepared to give an hour of your life to rugby league; then give to it Wheelchair rugby league. I promise that you will be both amazed and humbled.”
For more information about Rugby League World Cup 2021 visit www.rlwc2021.com
