THE Rugby Football League has, in the first of its two scheduled mid-term grassroots reviews this year, reported a five percent increase in the number of active participants.
Women’s and girls' Rugby League continue to grow apace, with a 33 percent increase recorded, while 'inclusive playing offers' (such as wheelchair, physical disability and learning disability) have rocketed at 51 percent, with England's success in winning the 2022 Wheelchair World Cup (and the willingness of players, coaches and management to promote the sport in the aftermath) being hailed as pivotal.
There continues, however, to be concern over player numbers in the men's open-age game, particularly in the North-East and South-West.