Wales Rugby League can confirm that there were no positive tests for the Wheelchair national side after they returned to training at the end of January.

After almost a year since they last trained, 14 players and four staff members attended training in a bio-secure environment with all coming back negative.

Full contact training was allowed as the national side started their preparation for both the Celtic Cup and World Cup later this year.

Scotland Rugby League will host the 2021 Celtic Cup at The University of Edinburgh’s Sport & Exercise Pleasance facility on Saturday 12th June, having postponed the 2020 tournament due to COVID-19. The Wheelchair Rugby League Celtic Cup is an annual tournament played between Scotland, Wales and Ireland.

WRL CEO Gareth Kear said: “It is testimony to the professionalism of our Wheelchair players and staff that we were able to hold our first Covid safe indoor trial session without any negative impact on public health. I am pleased that the trust given to us as a National Governing Body by the National Sports Group and Welsh Government has proven to be well placed. The exemption to train allows our Wheelchair international team to prepare on an equal level with all of our WRL elite pathways and international opponents.”

Wales are the current and only holders of the Celtic Cup since its inception in 2016 and will be aiming for their fifth title.

Wales head coach Steve Jones said: “Seeing the Celtic Cup back on the international calendar is the boost our sport needed after 2020 was a washout. The Welsh team are looking forward to playing both Scotland and Ireland in June in what should be a superb competition. With 2021 being a World Cup year it will give players a chance to show what they can do ahead of selection.”

The running order for the 2021 Wheelchair Rugby League Celtic Cup fixtures will be:
Scotland v Ireland
Wales v Ireland
Scotland v Wales

Kick-off times are still to be announced. Please go to https://rugbyleague.wales/wheelchair-fixtures-and-results to see this year’s full schedule for the Wales Wheelchair side.