Bringing the first ever PDRL World Cup to Warrington is a real source of pride for our town. It was fantastic to see our investment in Victoria Park as an inclusive centre of excellence for rugby league breaking down barriers to participation.

Thousands of people attended the eight PDRL matches in October (seven taking place at Victoria Park, with the final at Halliwell Jones Stadium) to see Australia, New Zealand, Wales and eventual winners England in action. Over 1,000 people turned up to each of the group stages, with an estimated 2,000 people watching the final, which was also broadcast live on BBC iPlayer – a move which has given the sport unprecedented and much-welcomed coverage.

We believe our many successes as a host town for the tournament will help create a lasting legacy, inspiring many more young people to get involved in the sport, regardless of age, ability or gender.

Hosting the full, inaugural PDRL World Cup, has helped raise the profile of the sport on the international stage, as well as putting Warrington on the map as a centre of disability sporting commitment and excellence.

The tournament’s profile – and Warrington’s role in it - was further boosted by the involvement of Channel 4’s ‘The Last Leg’ comedian Adam Hills MBE, who was part of the Australia PDRL team, and is renowned for his work with physical disability rugby league.

Official RLWC2021 ambassador and Warrington Wolves PDRL player Adam Hills announced the showcase in a special video message: