WARRINGTON Wolves will play in the inaugural Learning Disability Super League, it has been announced.
The Wire will be one of 12 founding clubs in the new national learning disability rugby league competition, which will be launched at this year’s Magic Weekend at Liverpool FC's Anfield Stadium in May.
Super League has launched the tournament in partnership with the RFL and social care charity Community Integrated Care.
Warrington Wolves have been at the forefront of disability rugby league in the past year - launching physical disability, learning disability and wheelchair teams.
Neil Kelly, Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation director, said: “It’s all stemmed from the PDRL stuff that we’ve been doing.
“When we first started, we had a mixtures of people with physical and learning disabilities playing.
“We were able to split them because of our large disability programme that we run, and we were one of the first teams to launch and exhibit a team.
“To see this now being embraced by the whole of Super League and Community Integrated Care really heightens it.
“It’s amazing for the game to be all inclusive - whether that’s physical disabilities, learning disabilities, wheelchair rugby or the women and girls’ game.”
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The other 11 teams taking part in the inaugural Learning Disability Super League will be Castleford Tigers, Huddersfield Giants, Hull Kingston Rovers, Leeds Rhinos, Newcastle Thunder, Salford Red Devils, St Helens, Wakefield Trinity, Widnes Vikings, Wigan Warriors and York City Knights.
Representatives of Warrington and Widnes' LDRL teams
Super League chief executive Robert Elstone added: “The passion and commitment shown to date to get this project underway bodes well for a partnership that will reward all participants in so many ways.
“Not only will this deliver amazing opportunities for all the players and experiences that will live in the memory for lifetimes, it will also endorse everything that Super League stands for.
“Our clubs sit at the heart of proud communities and bring people together every day of the year.
“The Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League will widen that reach and amplify these special qualities.”
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