X-League players across the country are preparing for another season of action with the first Grand Prix of 2024 confirmed to take place on Saturday 20 April at the home of Warrington Titans.
X-League is a friendly, action-packed, limited contact variation of the game part of the Rugby Football League’s social offer.
Three Grand Prix’ are currently scheduled for 2024 with more to be confirmed, before a national event to round off the season on Saturday 19 October at Sheffield Hallam University, a week after the Betfred Super League Grand Final. Last year’s event saw an all-Cheshire final with the Warriors eventually crowned winners.
Over 180 participants played X-League last year and new teams like Rotherham Nomads are already looking forward to getting started. Team Manager, Chris Clayton, says:
“Our group originally met on the same night that Sheffield Forgers had their training, once they stopped offering Monday Night X-League in the lead up to the Open Age season, that’s when the Rotherham Nomads were formed.
“The first session attracted 10 players which was huge for us, most participants were people who thought they had finished playing altogether – there were union and league players with some completely new to Rugby League.
“Everyone’s joined for various reasons, whether it be due to long-term injuries, to help battle anxiety or depression or preventing the feeling of loneliness. Most importantly, we’re giving this group of players a sense of purpose and that feeling of being part of a group again.”
The X-League sessions have been well received by the Nomads, as one player explains:
“After losing my friend in 2022 I lost all enthusiasm to play sport and train. I slipped into a bit of depression to be honest, but thanks to friends and an introduction to X-League I'm back to feeling my best and I’m ready for a new challenge this year.”
RFL Social Officer, Bradley Kelk, concludes:
“We are really looking forward to the X-League season getting started again in April. We had a productive AGM back in December where X-League clubs had the opportunity to voice their support, challenges and any questions regarding X-League
“I’d also like to use the beginning of the 2024 season to encourage any open age teams with low numbers to consider giving X-League a try – with grand prix events and guaranteed merit league fixtures throughout the year, it’s a good way of being able to play limited contact Rugby League without feeling too sore on a Monday morning.”
To find out if there is a X-League RL club near you, or if you’d like more information to set up your own X-League activity, please visit the RFL website.
