Leeds face Edinburgh in Wheelchair Super League opener

Leeds Rhinos beat Halifax Panthers 52-32 in October to win the 2024 Wheelchair Super League Grand Final

Reigning Wheelchair Super League champions Leeds Rhinos will begin the defence of their title against newcomers Edinburgh Giants in 2025.

The Rhinos came back from a 12-point deficit to beat Halifax Panthers and win last season's title, sealing a first crown since 2021.

Edinburgh, along with Sheffield Eagles, are two fresh additions in an expanded season along with Warrington Wolves joining the Championship in a new league format.

Edinburgh Giants, Halifax Panthers, Hull FC, Leeds Rhinos, London Roosters, Sheffield Eagles, Wigan Warriors will contest the Wheelchair Super League, with the Championship divided between teams in the east and west.

Taking part in the Championship West will be Hereford Harriers, North Wales Crusaders, Rochdale Hornets, Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves and Widnes Vikings.

Meanwhile in the Championship East, Batley Bulldogs, Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers, Hull KR, Wakefield Trinity and York Knights will face off.

Leeds' fixture against Edinburgh will commence the Wheelchair Super League season on the weekend of 21 and 22 June 2025, with each of the seven teams facing one another home or away over seven rounds of fixtures.

The division will then split into a top four and bottom three competition from 23 August and the play-offs will be played at a central venue with the Grand Final set to place at the Manchester Basketball Centre on Sunday, 28 September.

"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 Wheelchair Super League for the 2025-2027 window," the RFL's national inclusion manager Chris Godfrey said.

"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."

2025 Wheelchair rugby league structure

Betfred Wheelchair Super League

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