Rugby league participation in Wales was at a record high in 2024 – the third successive year of record-breaking playing numbers.
Across all formats of the sport, there were 4,342 registered players, a 4.5% increase on 2023; a 46% increase on 2022; and a huge 201% increase on 2021.
The bulk of the increase comes from the number of boys playing the sport, which has increased by over 1,000 in the last two years, in large part to the introduction of new teams at under 8s and under 10s. There are also over 100 more men registered to play since 2022.
Participation for women and girls is 65% higher than 2022, although there has been a slight decrease on figures from 2023.
The introduction of the Invitational League in the last two seasons has helped to boost participation in Wheelchair rugby league, with almost 100 people now registered.
Wales Rugby League Chief Executive, Richard Hibbard, commented: “It is fantastic that the growth of the sport is continuing in Wales.
“It is a testament to the dedication and commitment of volunteers in clubs across the country, providing opportunities for people to play competitive and non-competitive versions of the sport. I want to thank every one of them for putting rugby balls in the hands of people, supporting communities to benefit from the health and wellbeing benefits that playing sport provides.
“They are the people who have made this possible and they should all take great pride in the role they have played.
“With our Women’s team qualifying for the World Cup, the opportunity is there for us to increase the number of women and girls playing in the next couple of years.
“As well as the increased numbers, we welcomed JES Group as new partners for the South Wales Men’s League, and the community season culminated in a brilliant finals day at The Lextan Gnoll as part of another new partnership with Neath RFC.
“We believe we have made significant strides in 2024 and are ambitious to continue to get better. By continuing to improve our working relationship with stakeholders in the sport, we can maintain this momentum that is building behind rugby league in Wales.”
Participation figures
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | |
| Men | 554 | 693 | 743 | 789 |
| Women | 132 | 93 | 78 | 73 |
| Boys | 734 | 2031 | 3020 | 3181 |
| Girls | 8 | 130 | 313 | 296 |
| Non-binary/others | 1 | 1 | 3 | |
| Total | 1438 | 2957 | 4155 | 4342 |
