Wheelchair

Betfred Wheelchair Super League Fixtures confirmed as competition expands for 2025

18 Dec 2024

Leeds Rhinos will begin their defence of the Betfred Wheelchair Super League against newcomers Edinburgh Giants in the competition's opening round on the weekend of 21/22 June.

The Rhinos clinched their first Super League title since their treble-winning season of 2021 back in October, surging back from a 12-point deficit late in the first half to gain revenge on Halifax Panthers for a Grand Final defeat two years ago.

There’s also a second new name on the fixture list in the form of Sheffield Eagles - who will travel to 2023 champions Wigan Warriors in their opening fixture with London Roosters facing 2024 Grand Finalists Halifax Panthers.

After a bye in the opening round, Hull FC kick off their campaign in Round Two with a trip to the Sedbergh Sports Centre to face Wayne Boardman’s Panthers.

The expansion of the Betfred Wheelchair Super League has come in response to the surge in interest in the sport since England’s home triumph in the 2022 World Cup.

Applications were invited at the end of last season and after a lengthy and robust audit process, Sheffield and Edinburgh were successful to join Leeds, London, Halifax, Wigan and Hull FC in 2025.

In addition, Warrington Wolves have been confirmed to join ahead of the 2026 season, allowing them an extra year to prepare for a return to the elite level.

In 2025, the Wolves will compete in a revamped Championship structure, also expanded, with six-team leagues in both the East and West, and another eight new teams starting their journey in the Wheelchair game through development activity.

Chris Godfrey, the RFL’s National Inclusion Manager, said:

“We’d like to thank all clubs who submitted applications and whilst the competition was high, there were eight applications that were identified as particularly strong who will now compete in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League for the 2025-2027 window.

“Whilst perennial powerhouses in the sport and previous Super League teams retained their places - once again showing via the applications why they are in the elite division - new entries Sheffield Eagles, Edinburgh Giants and returning Warrington Wolves will no doubt look to add a new edge to the competition.

“I’d also like to welcome Salford Red Devils, Castleford Tigers and Batley Bulldogs into our Championship divisions which are a really important part of the competition pyramid and provide a competitive environment for teams below the Super League.”

Martyn Gill, Founder of Edinburgh Giants:

“We are delighted to be joining the Super League from 2025 and in doing so becoming the first ever Scottish representative in the competition. It’s hard to believe the club started less than two years ago and most of the squad are still brand new to the sport, but a lot of hard work has gone in both on and off the pitch. We appreciate it’s going to be a massive step up and we know we need to adopt a long-term vision and plan, but we are excited by the challenge that awaits.”

David Butler, Chair of Trustees for Eagles Foundation:

“Our progress through the Championship has been well documented as we lost every game we played in our debut season in 2022. Through perseverance and determination, our core group of players have steadily improved, resulting in being crowned champions in an undefeated 2024 campaign which also saw Chris Haynes make his England debut.

“Whilst Super League is the next logical step to test our first team squad we have also accepted a place in the Regional Activity which will see us launch a third team, in addition to fielding a Super League reserve grade team, at Sheffield Eagles for the 2025 season, which will ensure that everyone who wants to play Wheelchair Rugby League at our club can do so at an appropriate level, ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of our Wheelchair RL section.”

The Betfred Wheelchair Super League will see each of the seven teams face one another home or away over seven rounds of fixtures before the division splits into a top four and bottom three competition from Saturday 23 August. The final rounds of the season will be played at central venues and will act as the Play-Offs before the Grand Final which is set take place on Sunday 28 September at Manchester Basketball Centre - and shown live on Sky Sports.

Betfred Wheelchair Super League 2025:

Edinburgh Giants, Halifax Panthers, Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, London Roosters, Sheffield Eagles, Wigan Warriors

Championship West:

Hereford Harriers, North Wales Crusaders, Rochdale Hornets, Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings

Championship East:

Batley Bulldogs, Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Hull KR, Wakefield Trinity, York Knights

Betfred Wheelchair Super League 2025 fixtures:

Round One – 21/ 22 June

Edinburgh Giants v Leeds Rhinos

Bye – Hull FC

London Roosters v Halifax Panthers

Wigan Warriors v Sheffield Eagles