England's wheelchair rugby league team secured a 2-0 series victory in the Ashes against Australia last month, a result that went largely unnoticed in the UK due to early-morning matches and lack of mainstream television coverage. The team, who won the World Cup in Manchester three years ago, missed out on the adulation they received then.
Coach Tom Coyd described the series as 'the forgotten Ashes', noting that while the NRL showed great engagement in Australia, the team felt disconnected from home. The victory serves as preparation for next year's World Cup in Australia, where England will defend their title against Wales, USA and Ireland in the group stage, before facing France or Australia in the knockout rounds.
Coyd emphasised the challenges of managing a squad with diverse disabilities, including two able-bodied players. He highlighted the need for individualised schedules, as tasks like getting changed can take some players an hour compared to 30 minutes for others. 'A lot of things are non-negotiables: team meetings, mealtimes – we will always break bread together – but we need to be clever and create space,' he said.
Captain Lewis King noted that the squad took time to settle, but by the time they reached the Gold Coast, players were happy and relaxed. England came from behind in both Tests, winning the first 56-28 and the second 48-42. King said there was no panic on the pitch, as the team relied on discipline and composure to tire out Australia.
Wheelchair rugby league has grown rapidly in England since the World Cup win, with a national footprint that the running game has not achieved in 130 years. The Wheelchair Super League features clubs from Halifax to London, with Edinburgh and Sheffield joining next season, and a separate Welsh league. The sport is reaching areas where running rugby cannot sustain a presence.
