Wheelchair Rugby League Four Nations to be staged in Rochdale

Wheelchair Rugby League Four Nations to be staged in Rochdale

Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League alongside Wigan & Leigh Wheelchair Rugby League have been successful in their bid to bring the Wheelchair Rugby League Four Nations to the North West.

Both Wigan Leisure Trust and Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation were successful in attracting support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund to allow the showcase tournament to be staged in Rochdale.

The opening ceremony will take place on Friday 23 September at Rochdale Town Hall and then a two-day tournament will commence at Kingsway Park High School. Teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales will compete.

Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League Chairman Terry Morley explained: “Having the Wheelchair Rugby League Four Nations come to Rochdale is a real honor and a great opportunity to show off our fantastic town and sporting facilities to the nation and also the world.

“Hosting these games the same year we started our own Wheelchair Rugby League Team will be a memorable occasion and be part of our heritage. It also demonstrates how the town promotes inclusion through a variety of means such as ethnicity, age, gender and ability and provides an opportunity for all.

“As a newly appointed dedicated committee and team of players we are looking forward to watching these athletes play so we can learn and grow our own talent so that one day they may be playing for their own nation.”

Hornets WRL player/coach Andy McLean explained how he has benefitted: “As player and assistant coach of the Rochdale Hornets Wheelchair Rugby League team, I joined the group after years of poor health. Before my health issues I enjoyed playing and coaching kids until my condition took it all from me.

“I still have health issues and I am visited by district nurses daily. I was socially isolated due to mobility problems and constant pain but the WRL team has given me immense positivity and something to look forward to each week.”

Andy believes the explosive and intense nature of Wheelchair Rugby League will grip the people of Rochdale, he added: “The Four Nations is an exciting sporting event and I know that bringing it to Rochdale will be a huge success and I am proud and honored to be just a small part of it.”

Tickets are priced (per day) at £10 for adults, £7.50 concession* and £5 for kids under the age of 16.

There is also a special Family Ticket which will allow two adults and up to four children to attend for only £20.

*Concession rate applies to unwaged, students, NHS staff and serving/veteran armed forces