After we reported last week that a record number of players took part in rugby league in Wales in 2022, we’d like to reflect on the successes that those players achieved, be that trophy wins or participation at a high level.
Internationally, we ran eight sides and played 35 international matches. The Wales Wheelchair side played the most matches – eight in total – as they gripped the nation when playing at the Rugby League World Cup, reaching the semi-finals. They also won the Celtic Cup for the sixth successive time and cemented their place in the world’s top four nations. A tour to Brazil is now awaiting them early next year, where they’ll play their 50th international match, having celebrated ten years of playing in 2022.
The Wales Women‘s side also tasted trophy success as they won the European Championship B North competition in the first year that this has been held. Ranked in the world’s top ten nations, they’ll now play in a World Cup qualification tournament next year.
The Wales Physical Disability Rugby League side made their debut, playing in the World Cup and finished third, and had it not been for a technical slip-up, they could have been in the final against hosts and winners England.
The Wales men‘s side made a comeback after four years away and whilst they were winless in 2022, their performances won many fans. The future of the international side is now being built thanks to a full-time academy for players aged 16-18 at Coleg y Cymoedd and an official link with Super League’s Salford Red Devils.
Wales’ youth international sides are also showing that the future is bright. The Wales U19 side entered the European Cup and finished a justified third place behind the financial powerhouses of England and France.
The Wales U16 side were outstanding, doing the double over England Community Lions, beating them home and away. They also recorded a representative match win over a strong Cumbria Regional Academy giving them three wins from three in 2022.
At the other end of the scale, Wales Masters played in two festivals in 2022. The team for the over 35s fielded former Wales men’s World Cup player Christiaan Roets as well as others who had previously played the community game in Wales.
Finally at international level, we welcomed back the Wales Dragonhearts, and whilst they slipped to defeat in their only match this year, the squad will stay together and train for more matches in 2023.
