The Catalans Dragons, who have been the dominant force in the Wheelchair Challenge Cup since their debut in 2022, have been removed from the 2025 competition by the Rugby Football League (RFL). This decision comes after a disagreement with the French Federation regarding international fixtures.

Background of the Dispute

The RFL withdrew Catalans' invitation to compete in response to the French Federation's refusal to play any international matches against England until the next autumn's World Cup. England and France are the top-ranked international teams in wheelchair rugby league, with England currently holding the World Cup title after their victory over France in Manchester in 2022.

Impact on the Competition

The Dragons were scheduled to face the Halifax Panthers in the quarter-finals next month. Their removal from the draw means Halifax will receive a bye into the semi-finals. The Dragons have been a formidable team in the Challenge Cup, reaching the final three times and winning in both 2023 and 2024.

Key Players and Recent Performances

The Catalans Dragons boast England international Seb Bechara in their squad, who has been instrumental in their recent successes. Earlier this month, the team secured victory in the French Cup final, further cementing their status as one of the top teams in the sport.

Future International Fixtures

England and France have faced each other in double-headers at the end of the last two seasons. However, England will be traveling to Australia later this year for a four-Test series, which adds another layer of complexity to the international rugby league calendar.

Conclusion

The exclusion of the Catalans Dragons from the 2025 Wheelchair Challenge Cup is a significant development in the world of wheelchair rugby league. It highlights the ongoing tensions between national federations and the impact these have on major competitions. Fans of the sport will be keen to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for the future of international fixtures.