Catalans Dragons Removed From Wheelchair Challenge Cup

⁣ Updated ⁢May 29, 2025

The Catalans Dragons, the reigning two-time Wheelchair Challenge Cup champions, will‌ not participate in the 2025 competition. Tournament organizers made the decision after a dispute arose ⁤regarding international matches.

The French side had been scheduled‍ to face the Halifax Panthers in the quarter-finals next month.However, the Rugby Football League (RFL) withdrew the‍ catalans’​ invitation. This‍ action ⁣followed the ‍French‍ Federation’s refusal‌ to compete in any international games against England ⁤until after the World‍ Cup next autumn.

England​ and France are⁢ considered the top international wheelchair rugby sides. England​ currently holds the World Cup title, having defeated France in Manchester in 2022.

the​ Dragons, whose roster includes England international Seb‍ Bechara, recently ⁤secured⁣ victory in‍ the French Cup final. Since their debut in 2022, they have been a dominant force ⁢in the​ Challenge cup, reaching the final three times⁣ and winning in both 2023 and 2024.

Consequently of the Catalans Dragons’ removal, the Halifax Panthers, who welcome back jack Brown after‍ his time in⁣ Australia, will automatically advance to the semifinals.

What’s next

The Halifax Panthers will prepare for the Wheelchair Challenge Cup semi-finals, awaiting the results of⁣ the remaining quarter-final matches to determine their next opponent.