Wheelchair Challenge Cup: Catalans Dragons Withdraw
- The Catalans Dragons, the reigning two-time Wheelchair Challenge Cup champions, will not participate in the 2025 competition.
- 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.
- England and France are considered the top international wheelchair rugby sides.
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.