Preparations continue for European Wheelchair Rugby League Club Championship

There's just over a week to go before Wigan Warriors face Catalans Dragons in the European Wheelchair Rugby League Club Championship on Saturday 6 April (KO 6pm) and both teams' preparations are well under way.

The showpiece fixture was introduced last season following the success of the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, giving fans yet another taste of the Anglo-French rivalry. 

Warriors Wheelchair captain Declan Roberts scored 22 of Wigan's 50 points in the 50-42 victory over Leeds Rhinos in the Super League Grand Final and now he's ready for the shot at being crowned the best domestic wheelchair team in Europe. 

"I'd be lying if I said we didn't want to win," exclaimed Roberts. "The ultimate goal is to become the first outright winners whilst adding another trophy to the cabinet.

"However, it's also a chance for us to do something massive as a team against individuals from a side who for the last 10 years have been perceived to be the best in the world.

"We have the perfect opportunity to see where we are as a group, and to see what result can come from it." 

Catalans come into the fixture fresh off back-to-back Coupe De France titles and a historic victory against Leeds Rhinos in the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final and head coach, Cyril Torres, is relishing what lies ahead: "It's a great pleasure to come up against Wigan Warriors in this blockbuster game. We can't wait to face the English Wheelchair champions - it's the perfect match after the 2023 Betfred Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford."

He continued: "It also shows that both of our clubs are interested in the development of Wheelchair Rugby League and Robin Park is going to be the perfect stage for this spectacular game - may the best team win."

In addition to the showpiece event, an exhibition of former players turning their hand to the Wheelchair game will take place in venue as a curtain raiser. The RL All Stars will be supported on and off field by England Wheelchair RL World Cup Winners in a game that will no doubt highlight the level of skill and ability required to play Wheelchair RL. 

Former Wigan Warriors player, Kevin Brown explains:

"I am really looking forward to this, the main event will no doubt be a world class example of some of the top Wheelchair Rugby League athletes in the world, and I am just as excited to get out there myself and give it a go! Whilst the All-Star players have all played at professional level, I am sure there will be a lot of sore bodies the day after as we?ll no doubt be going out to give it our all…probably to our detriment."

The All-Stars exhibition will begin at 4:40pm whilst the 2024 European Wheelchair Rugby League Club Championship will take place at Robin Park Arena (KO 6pm) with seated and accessible tickets on sale now from just 5 pounds.