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Press Release

IRL appoints Classifications Committee

Published by IRL
18 Oct 2020

The Board of International Rugby League (IRL) has appointed a Classifications Committee to advise on the classification of players in all forms of disability rugby league.

The committee will create, implement and manage a system for players based on their physical ability, ensuring fair competition for people with different types of disability. This will create a practical, multi-step assessment procedure using the classifications framework. They will do this in discussion with existing committees and working groups and the first task is to have an agreed classification system for the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) World Cup to be played in November 2021.

The Committee will be chaired by Victoria Myers, Lecturer in Sport Management at Leeds Beckett University – Carnegie School of Sport. She will be supported by Thomas Hignett, Classification Lead at English Institute of Sport; Dinesh Palipana, Gold Coast Titans PDRL Doctor; Sandra Hickey, Chair, New Zealand Rugby League PDRL; Keith Povah, New South Wales Rugby League PDRL officer; Chris Godfrey, Rugby Football League Social and Inclusion manager; and Charlotte Monkman, IRL executive assistant.

Victoria Myers commented upon the creation of the committee saying;

“I am honoured to be given the opportunity to drive the IRL classification committee forward. By working with key partners, we will strengthen a framework that aids participation in disability sport, protects the integrity of the athletes, and ensures there is fair and equitable competition within international disability rugby league. I am extremely proud to play a part in initiating this change which will strive to raise the profile and exposure of the sport by creating even more opportunities for disabled athletes to compete in high level rugby league”

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