Wheelchair rugby tournament returns to town

Karl Shepherd, from Hull, launched the tournament last year

Wheelchair rugby league players from across Yorkshire have taken part in a tournament to raise the profile of the sport as well as funds for charities.

On Saturday, players from Hull FC, Batley Bulldogs, York Knights and Bradford Bulls competed at CYP Bridlington Sports Centre in East Yorkshire.

Karl Shepherd, from Hull FC's wheelchair rugby league team, started the event last year and said: "We decided we'll bring it back again this year, hopefully a little bit bigger and better."

The event raised cash for the Military Assistance Social Hub (MASH) based in Bridlington and York RLFC Foundation.

Isabelle plays for the Bradford Bulls wheelchair rugby league team

"It's the same rules as normal rugby league," Mr Shepherd explained.

"You get a set of six tackles to take. To make a tackle, you take one of these," he said, referring to a ribbon on each shoulder.

"Everything is an adaptation of the 13-a-side game."

Andrew Atkinson, from York Knights wheelchair rugby league team, said: "I was born with no legs, one arm and ginger hair, so it's helped me to feel inclusive and part of a team."

Isabelle, 16, plays for the Bradford Bulls wheelchair rugby league team.

She said it was a great sport to get involved in.

"You're all brought to the same level and all have the same opportunities," she added.

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