365 Sporting Days

Wheelchair Premiership Launches

This weekend sees the inaugural Wheelchair Premiership kick off on Sunday 28^th May at The University of Edinburgh’s Sport & Exercise Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym.

The season will be made up of four rounds with each team playing two fixtures across each round with rounds being hosted by each club. Dundee Dragons will be joined by new clubs Edinburgh Giants and Glasgow Rugby League in showcasing the sport in Scotland.

All three teams will have Scotland international players playing for the first time since the World Cup in Sheffield. Dundee will be led by David Birtles who recently retired from International duty and long serving player Ronnie Robb. Edinburgh Giants will be captained by Connor Blackmore and will look to use his experience to guide his team around the pitch. Glasgow Rugby League will be captained by John Willans and is coached by Scotland’s record cap holder Graeme Stewart. Rugby League World Cup 2021 Final Lead Referee Ollie Cruickshank will take charge of the opening game Edinburgh Giants v Glasgow RL assisted by Alex Chandler. 

Scotland Rugby League’s Commercial Director had this to say on the launch of the Wheelchair Premiership: 

“This is an exciting time for the sport in Scotland and we are looking to build on the back of the successful Rugby League World Cup 2021 held in England last year. The clubs have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure they are ready for the competition and we are looking forward to seeing the teams taking part in the inaugural Wheelchair Premiership.”

Edinburgh Giants Chairman Martyn Gill had this to say:

“The club has been working hard over the last few months since forming and we can’t wait to host the launch of the Wheelchair Premiership. We have 6 of the squad playing Wheelchair Rugby League for the very first time, it will be a great day for them and everyone else involved.”

Dundee Dragons Coach Kevin Rattray said:

“Dundee Dragons are delighted to be part of the launch of the Wheelchair Premiership. The future for the sport in Scotland is really positive and we hope this can attract more players and volunteers into Wheelchair Rugby League.”

Glasgow Rugby League Coach Graeme Stewart said:

“All at Glasgow Rugby League are excited about taking part in this historic season and are eager to get on the pitch to showcase the sport we all love.”

Entry is free and doors open at 12.30 with Game 1 kicking off at 13.00 at Sport & Exercise Pleasance Sports Complex & Gym.

Dundee Dragons:

David Birtles, Cassie Cooper, Alan Smith, Ronnie Robb, Kevin Rattray

Edinburgh Giants:

Olivia Fulton (vc), Calum Davidson, Gavin McKay, Connor Blackmore ©, Sarah Devlin, Dwayne Telford, Kris MacBan

Glasgow RL:

John Willans ©, Neil Johnston, Cadyn Thomson, Callum Young, Graeme Stewart, Nick Thorburn

Match Officials:

Ollie Cruickshank, Alex Chandler, Danii Stevens, Ewan Clibbens