THE PRINCESS OF WALES TO VISIT HULL FOR RUGBY LEAGUE INCLUSIVITY DAY
Thursday 5th October 2023
The Princess of Wales, Patron of the Rugby Football League, will visit Hull to take part in a Rugby League Inclusivity Day hosted by the Rugby Football League, Hull FC and the University of Hull.
The visit will highlight the significant value and impact of Disability Rugby League on its participants, their families, and local communities, and shine a spotlight on the power of sport to tackle inequalities, and support and develop individuals regardless of their circumstances or background.
The Rugby Football League is committed to ensuring that no individual is excluded from accessing and enjoying Rugby League. The Inclusivity Day will see members of Hull FC’s Wheelchair, Physical Disability and Learning Disability Rugby League teams taking part in training skills sessions and friendly matches. The teams will be joined by students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence as they learn about and experience the different forms of Disability Rugby League.
Upon arrival at the sports centre, Her Royal Highness will have the opportunity to try her hand at wheelchair rugby and join a training session facilitated by members of the world-cup winning England Wheelchair Rugby League squad. Wheelchair Rugby League is currently the most inclusive format across Rugby League, providing the opportunity for all to play together regardless of gender or disability. England’s Wheelchair Rugby League team were crowned World Champions in November 2022, and in January the Princess of Wales hosted a reception for the team at Hampton Court Palace in recognition of their success.
During the visit, the Princess will also learn more about Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL), a full contact version of the game adapted for players with physical disabilities who want to access a running version of the sport, and Learning Disability Rugby League (LDRL), a non-competitive version of the sport specifically adapted for those with learning disabilities. Her Royal Highness will take part in ball skills and drills with PDRL and LDRL players, alongside students from Hull FC’s Centre of Excellence.
The Hull FC Centre of Excellence provides a holistic, industry-specific programme for 16-18 year olds who are interested in physical activity and working in sport, attracting and developing the best talent both locally and from further afield. Committed to enhancing the grassroots development of Rugby League across the country, the programme aligns both coaching and education to give its students the very best opportunities to succeed and progress straight into the sporting industry, or into further education.
