England's Wheelchair Rugby League Team Aims for Glory

In British sports, success is often measured by several indicators, including attendance figures, television ratings, revenue, and, perhaps most importantly, trophies. This Friday, England's wheelchair rugby league team will vie for the World Cup title against France, hoping to defend the championship they clinched in 2022. Yet, for them, the stakes go beyond just winning a trophy.

A Captain's Journey

Lewis King, captain of England's wheelchair rugby league squad, reflects on his journey as a wheelchair athlete. In 2009, at the age of 24, he suffered life-altering effects from a blood clot on his spine, which left him partially paralyzed and required urgent surgery. At that moment, participating in sports seemed like a distant dream.

Years later, a friend encouraged him to try wheelchair rugby league while he was undergoing rehabilitation at Stoke Mandeville hospital. King describes the early days of the sport as humble, stating, “It started as a bit of fun and you’d only ever have a couple of family members watching; maybe a dog too if you were lucky.” Nevertheless, he quickly developed a deep passion for the game.

The Allure of Wheelchair Rugby League

The appeal of wheelchair rugby league lies in its thrilling similarities to traditional rugby. King explains, “It’s all the excitement of rugby league but in a wheelchair, offering big hits, stunning line breaks, and remarkable athleticism.” This captivating nature of the sport was evident four years ago when nearly 2 million viewers watched England secure the World Cup, with an additional 5,000 fans present in Manchester. Although this year's tournament is behind a paywall, the BBC will broadcast the upcoming final, crucial for generating further recognition.

Growth and Inspiration

The sport has gained significant traction, becoming the leading wheelchair sport in England. Following England's World Cup victory in 2022, participation in wheelchair rugby league increased by an impressive 110%. While there were only 19 competitive teams four years ago, that number has skyrocketed to 42 and continues to climb.

Clubs such as Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, and the newly crowned men's Super League champions, Wakefield Trinity, are not only establishing wheelchair teams but also forming junior and girls’ squads, paving the way for athletes of all ages who may find the running version of rugby league inaccessible.

Beyond Competition: A Mission

For King and his teammates, the drive to win is accompanied by a responsibility to motivate the next generation. Rob Hawkins, recognized as the world’s best player and a three-time Golden Boot recipient, battles chronic fatigue syndrome and has overcome significant challenges, including an 18-month period of being bedridden.

Luis Domingos transitioned from professional wheelchair basketball to rugby league after surviving polio in his childhood. Perhaps the most poignant story comes from Halifax’s Finlay O’Neill, who, after being diagnosed with hypermobility in his knees, had to retire from able-bodied rugby league. Inspired by England's previous World Cup victory, O’Neill now finds himself part of the 2026 squad.

King shares, “We often discuss how Finlay was once watching us at the prior World Cup, and now he’s scoring tries and competing in a final himself. We aim to demonstrate that trauma doesn’t have to be a barrier to enjoying and participating in sports.”

A Thrilling Final Ahead

The upcoming final promises to be a thrilling contest. England and France stand out as the two best teams globally. The championship match four years ago was decided by a mere four points, and both teams expect a similarly close scoreline in Wollongong. King expresses a desire to have faced Australia in the final, considering the match's location. However, England impressed by defeating Australia in the semifinals this week.

As viewers anticipate England's performance, they can expect to witness not only exceptional athleticism but also hear the inspiring stories of these remarkable players. You might just find a new passion for a sport that England excels at.