Wheelchair team to face Catalans in European Championship

[josie andrews]

* Wigan Warriors Wheelchair to face Catalans Dragons in European Championship competition.

* Game to take place at Wigan’s Robin Park Venue on Saturday 6 April.

* Tickets can be bought online HERE.

WIGAN WARRIORS ARE SET TO FACE CATALANS DRAGONS IN EUROPEAN WHEELCHAIR RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP.

Reigning Wheelchair Super League champions Wigan Warriors will make their triumphant return to their Robin Park Arena home on Saturday 6 April when they face Catalans Dragons in the European Wheelchair Rugby League Club Championship.

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.

Following a sell-out World Club Challenge clash between Penrith Panthers and the Warriors Men’s team in February, the current Wheelchair Super League champions will now have their shot at being crowned the best domestic wheelchair team in Europe.

They’ll face tough opposition in the Dragons who shared the spoils with Halifax Panthers during last year’s encounter and come into the fixture off back-to-back Coupe De France titles.

Wigan Wheelchair Head Coach, Chris Greenhalgh, said: “It’s a massive occasion for the club having the opportunity to play one of the best teams in the world on our home court. Since we knew the date of the game, we’ve had players trying to move holidays and arrangements around just to be free and available for selection.

“The excitement of the players and the club as a whole is high, and we cannot wait to get out there in front of a potentially packed-out Robin Park. It’s an excellent game to start our season as we look to build on the successes we achieved last year.”

Catalans Dragons Head Coach, Gilles Clausells, added: “Wigan were very impressive last year, and they have one of the most skilful and deadliest attacks in the world. They have great teamwork, but they also have talented internationals in the squad such as World Champions Adam Rigby and Declan Roberts.

“The battle will be fierce for sure but we’re staying grounded and humble, we’ll have to fight hard to win this game. I believe in my players but we all have a lot of respect for the great team that is Wigan Warriors.”

This year’s event will have a Northern Soul theme, reviving the days of Wigan Casino. RFL National Social and Inclusion Manager, Chris Godfrey, explained: “We are really excited to have the European Wheelchair Rugby League Club Championship on home turf this year. The premier teams from their respective competitions are coming together to contest the spoils in what will no doubt be an exciting and competitive game.

“This fixture will be a celebration of Wigan and inclusivity, and we couldn’t think of a better way to embrace this than by encompassing all things Northern Soul in the run up to and during the event. This movement represented a time where inclusion and breaking down barriers were at the fore across the North of England – perfectly complementing and amplifying the values of Wheelchair Rugby League, as well as being synonymous with Wigan.”

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 for just £5.

https://wiganwarriors.com/blog/2024/03/ ... mpionship/