Tigers and Saints to play first Super League Inclusion Fixture

Betfred Super League clubs are hosting 'Inclusion Fixtures' in 2023 - beginning with Castleford Tigers this Sunday (26 February) when they entertain the new World Club Champions St Helens.

Inclusion fixtures, under the banner of 'RL Together', offer clubs the opportunity to showcase the development work they do both within their clubs and the wider community, where collectively they are strengthening foundations and making new connections with diverse groups and individuals.

The Tigers will use the occasion to shine a light on Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL), which grabbed the limelight last autumn when England defeated New Zealand to win the inaugural PDRL World Cup. Two Castleford players - Mark Gummerson and Nick Kennedy were in the national squad, with Kennedy scoring a try in the final to become the tournament's leading try-scorer.

Nick Kennedy says:  "PDRL has changed my life completely. I struggled with my mental and physical health after I lost an arm in a motoring accident. Castleford and PDRL came to the rescue six years ago and I haven?t looked back. The PDRL World Cup experience was phenomenal."

PDRL is a full contact version of Rugby League, adapted for players with a physical disability. Castleford Tigers Foundation launched its team in 2018 and plays in festivals throughout the summer. The Tigers also run a Learning Disability (LDSL) team which plays in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League. LDSL and PDRL are open to players aged six and over.

Castleford Tigers Foundation Head of Operations, Mat Lancaster adds: "We have a long-standing commitment to inclusion through our LDRL and PDRL sides. It's something we are very proud of and passionate about. Both programmes offer life-changing opportunities to people who in another era probably could never have played the game they love for the club they love.

?We?re proud too of the Tigers players? PDRL World Cup success. It means so much to all of us here at the club. It was incredible to see them perform on the big stage.?

The pre-match 13 seconds period is no longer a feature of every game in 2023, except for high profile matches such as internationals and finals.

Rimla Akhtar, Chair of Rugby League?s game-wide Inclusion Board, explains: "We continue to be resolutely committed to tackling discrimination in sport and in society. Clubs have been asked to nominate an inclusion fixture in line with Rugby League's TACKLE IT goals of tackling discrimination and breaking down any barriers to involvement.

"I'm delighted that Castleford Tigers are the first club to deliver an inclusion fixture this season and the whole board wishes them well. By becoming even more inclusive, Rugby League will be a stronger sport - one that is truly representative of all its communities."