In a landmark achievement for the sport, England's wheelchair rugby league team has secured an unprecedented double, clinching both the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup and the Ashes series in a stunning victory over arch-rivals Australia.
A Triumph Forged in Adversity
The historic moment unfolded at Manchester's National Basketball Performance Centre, where England, led by head coach Rob Hawkins, defeated Australia 38-8 in a commanding World Cup final performance on Tuesday. This victory was the culmination of a gruelling Ashes series, where England had already secured the trophy with a game to spare following wins in Sheffield and Leeds.
The team's journey to this pinnacle was far from straightforward. Just weeks before the tournament, they faced a significant setback when their planned training camp in Perpignan, France, was cancelled. Undeterred, the squad demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting their preparations and forging an unbreakable team spirit that would become their greatest asset on the world stage.
Sealing the Deal in Manchester
The final itself was a masterclass in precision and power. England dominated from the outset, leaving the Australian side, who are traditionally a powerhouse in the sport, with no answer. The comprehensive 38-8 scoreline reflected England's superiority in every facet of the game, from tactical kicking and robust defence to clinical finishing.
This win is particularly sweet given the context of the Ashes rivalry. The series, played across three fiercely contested tests, saw England emerge victorious in the first two encounters, thereby retaining the Ashes before the World Cup final even began. The final match in Manchester then served as the glorious exclamation point, delivering the World Cup trophy and completing a clean sweep of the major honours available.
A Legacy of Growth and Inspiration
The implications of this double triumph are profound for wheelchair rugby league in England and beyond. Under the stewardship of the Rugby Football League (RFL) and with crucial support from sponsors like Betfred, the sport has seen significant investment and development. The success of the national team is a direct result of this growing infrastructure and increased visibility.
For head coach Rob Hawkins and his dedicated squad, this victory is the reward for years of sacrifice and unwavering belief. It elevates the profile of wheelchair rugby league, inspiring a new generation of athletes and challenging perceptions about disability sport. The team has not only made history but has also firmly established England as the dominant force in the global game.
This monumental achievement marks a new chapter for the sport, proving that with determination and support, barriers can be broken and records can be rewritten. The legacy of this World Cup and Ashes double will resonate for years to come.
