A WEEK on from England winning the inaugural Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup in Warrington, focuses have already turned towards what comes next.

While the tournament has been a huge success in both viewership and the quality of the rugby league on offer, it has been reiterated from the beginning that this is simply a jumping off point for the future of PDRL.

In speaking to us earlier this year, celebrity participant, advocate, and Australia international player Adam Hills said that “This will all mean nothing if we don’t have another in three years’ time at the France World Cup.

“This will be amazing, this will be great, but we’ve got to follow it up, we’ve got to make sure we do it bigger and better.”

Adam has been a huge advocate for the sport, with his documentary ‘Take his Legs’ chronicling his journey to help create the Warrington Wolves PDRL team – the first in England.

This will be followed up by a second documentary, focused predominantly on the World Cup.

Warrington Guardian:

In speaking to Chris Godfrey, social inclusion manager for England RFL, he concurred, stating that “PDRL has arrived, but we want it to continue to grow”.

The tournament was contested between England, Wales, Australia, and New Zealand, and Chris believes growing this selection is key to the sport continuing to improve.

“We need to do two things, first we need to grow the game domestically among the home nations and other European nations and really increase the talent pool so we can increase the quality, and then second we need a regular proper international calendar with lots of different nations getting involved.”

He went on to reference a report by Manchester Metropolitan University, one that he says, “can quantify the difference PDRL makes”.

The report states that for every £1 invested into PDRL, £4.10 is made back in a social return generated by the investment.”

Warrington Guardian:

Chris did reiterate, however, that Warrington as a town was central to the success of the World Cup, saying that “Warrington have been trailblazers in this.

He added: "We just want to reiterate how grateful we are to the Warrington Wolves Foundation and the town of Warrington for enabling this, it’s onwards and upwards from here.”

The legacy of Warrington’s involvement in the PDRL with clear, with the Victoria Park-based World Cup leading to as of yet unconfirmed plans for England and Wales to play two matches in 2023.

The world cup is a clear success, as shown by its ability to unite everyone, even the Conservative and Labour MPs for Warrington South and North respectively.

Charlotte Nichols MP said: “The Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup has been a tremendous success, and it has been an honour for our town to host it.

"It has been a showcase of sport and achievement that has hugely entertained the crowds. I want to congratulate the England team, not least Warrington’s own Adam Morris, Jamie Barnett, Tony Seward and Mike Addison, as well as Adam Hills for the Aussies.

"But really, I’d like to thank everyone who helped to make this happen, especially the volunteers.

"There has been so much to enjoy, and you’ve all done Warrington proud!”

Andy Carter MP reiterated this sentiment, saying that ““It was fantastic to be in the crowd watching a convincing win for England against New Zealand in the PDRL final on Sunday night. 

"This team, including several Wolves’, have been genuinely inspiring all throughout the tournament. They’ve made our town and our country proud.

"The PDRL tournament, as part of the Rugby League World Cup has been a huge success, making a real difference and leaving a lasting impression that this is a sport is for everyone.

"I know rugby league will continue to build on the success of this tournament and it will encourage even more people, no matter their abilities, to take an interest and get involved.”

With coverage on the BBC, celebrity backing, and the local support of towns such as Warrington, it seems that PDRL in England is here to stay, and only going up from here.