Warrington Wolves became the latest Betfred Super League club to deliver an inclusion fixture, when they entertained Leigh Leopards at the Halliwell Jones Stadium on Friday night.
Inclusion fixtures, under the banner of ‘RL Together’, are an opportunity for clubs 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. RL Together is delivered in association with ‘Tackle It’, the game-wide action plan to promote diversity, tackle discrimination and break down barriers to involvement in Rugby League.
At Friday’s fixture the Wolves celebrated their Foundation's 18th birthday – and the incredible range of projects the club’s charitable arm delivers. Supporters had the chance to meet the club’s Wheelchair side ahead of the start of their new season, and the squad joined their Physical Disability and Learning Disability sides in a half-time pitch parade alongside community club juniors and Wolf Club members. Prior to kick off the match ball was delivered by a group of fans who walked to the stadium from their opponent’s home at Leigh Sports Village to raise awareness of mental health.
Castleford Tigers were the first Betfred Super League club to host in inclusion fixture when they entertained World Club Champions St Helens last month. The Tigers used the occasion to shine a light on the club’s Physical and Learning Disability Rugby League sides. Castleford Tigers Foundation launched its team in 2018 and plays in festivals throughout the summer. The Tigers also run a Learning Disability (LDRL) team which plays in the Community Integrated Care Learning Disability Super League.
RL Commercial Managing Director, Rhodri Jones, says: “The pre-match 13 seconds period is no longer a feature of every game in 2023. Instead we are asking clubs to celebrate the work they do within their respective communities – and both Castleford and Warrington are doing some outstanding work. Clubs are increasingly recognising the value of engaging with communities and interest groups beyond their core fan base, and we look forward to more Betfred Super League clubs delivering inclusion fixtures in the weeks and months ahead.”
As part of their 18th birthday celebrations, the cover of the Warrington match programme was designed by Wolves Foundation's WolfPrint Club members, and included interviews with Daryl Powell and Ben Currie alongside the usual features. Two Castleford PDRL players – Mark Gummerson and Nick Kennedy – were in England’s World Cup-winning squad, with Kennedy interviewed by Kyle Amor during Channel 4’s pre-match presentation.
Dr Rimla Akhtar OBE, Chair of Rugby League’s game-wide Inclusion Board, adds: “We continue to be resolutely committed to tackling discrimination in sport and in society, and I’m delighted to see clubs making the most of the opportunity to showcase the amazing work they do day in and day out. By becoming even more inclusive, Rugby League will be a stronger sport – one that is truly representative of all its communities.”
More information about RL Together is available at rugby-league.com/RLTogether
Supporters at all games are encouraged to report any discriminatory or abusive language to their nearest steward.
