Crusaders set to participate in the Championship in 2026

North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League would like to update all of their fans and wider members of the Wheelchair Rugby League community on its participation in the National Championship competition in 2026.

Following Warrington Wolves’ withdrawal from the Betfred Super League for 2026, the RFL were forced to make some changes into not only the competition but the overall domestic structure of Wheelchair Rugby League for 2026.

After much deliberation by the clubs board of trustees, it was decided that the club would re-enter the Championship for the 2026 campaign.

The club were informed that they would participate in the National Championship along with: Batley Bulldogs, Castleford Tigers, Gravesend Dynamite, Hereford Harriers, Rochdale Hornets, Wakefield Trinity & York Knights

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

“The RFL have also confirmed a new structure outside the Super League, with the introduction of a national eight-team Championship – which will include Castleford Tigers after their stunning debut season in 2025, and also North Wales Crusaders, whose off-season preparations received a boost with a visit from Traitors host Claudia Winkelman as part of her work with the National Lottery”.

“The development of the Wheelchair Rugby League pyramid has been one of the success stories of the sport in recent years, and that’s reflected by the fact we will have two genuinely national eight-team competitions kicking off in 2026, with League One split into northern and southern conferences, and a number of other development competitions underneath”

Chairperson, Stephen Jones said the following:

“We would like the firstly thank the RFL for respecting the clubs decision to play in the Championship structure for the upcoming season”.

“We had an extremely successful 2025 season both on and off the pitch/ court and wish to continue this success going forward”.

“We have the ethos of developing our players and this would enable us to give some of our lesser experienced players the chance to play against some of our international and more experienced players”.

“The club are extremely excited for the 2026 season and are looking forward to getting back out there and showcasing the talent of our players”.

The club have also recently confirmed their intension to participate in the Wales Rugby League competition again in 2026, and are awaiting a decision by the WRL board on their participation in the competition.

Betfred Wheelchair Super League 2026

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

Wheelchair Championship 2026

Batley Bulldogs, Castleford Tigers, Gravesend Dynamite, Hereford Harriers, North Wales Crusaders, Rochdale Hornets, Wakefield Trinity, York Knights

Northern Conference 2026

Hull KR, Salford Red Devils, Swinton Lions, Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings

Southern Conference 2026

Bedford Tigers, Brentwood Eels, Kings Lynne Black Knights, Medway Dragons, Woodlands Warriors

News on fixtures and cup competition will be released in due course.