Why you should watch wheelchair rugby league as England aim for 5th successive World Cup final

The men and women exited after the group stage, but England are holders of the wheelchair trophy and in with every chance of retaining their title. After big wins over Wales and the United States, they will finish top of their group if they beat Ireland in Wollongong on Friday (6am).

The semi-finals are staged as a double-header on Tuesday and the final takes place three days later. England weren’t at their best against Wales, but - with an entirely changed starting five - they looked ominously good in routing over-matched USA.

The Americans aren’t anywhere near England’s level yet, but 23 tries was still an impressive return, particularly with Halifax Panthers’ Rob Hawkins (11 tries and four goals v Wales) and Nathan Collins of Leeds Rhinos (four touchdowns and nine conversions) both rested.

Ireland will be a sterner test, having walloped the USA 110-10 in their opener before a 68-28 defeat of Wales. That is just what England need ahead of the semi-finals and a potential decider.

England have never failed to reach a World Cup final in the wheelchair game, having beaten Australia in 2008 and France four years ago, either side of losses to the French in 2013 and 2017. That is the sport’s big rivalry and it’ll be a surprise if battle doesn’t recommence in the final, but the Aussie Wheelaroos are emerging as genuine contenders.

They have improved rapidly since 2022 - when they lost 84-40 to France in the last four - and have thrashed New Zealand 102-14 and Scotland 104-24 this time. There’s still some catching up to do on England and France, but their growth over the last four years isn’t good news for anyone who thinks the last thing rugby league needs is Australia dominating another form of the sport.

France, though, remain the biggest threat to England’s hopes of defending the trophy. They showed their power in an opening 114-0 victory against Scotland and followed up by crushing the Kiwis 120-10. Jeremy Bouson, in particular, is showing good form. He was player of the match in both their group games so far, scoring seven tries in the first and six a few days later.

England feel they are capable of beating anyone in the tournament, but the French have similar ideas. There’s traditionally not a lot of love between the two sides and if they do meet in the showpiece, it could be a cracker. A four-point margin has decided the last two and there were only a couple of points between them in 2013.

If you’ve never seen a game of wheelchair rugby league, you really should give it a go. All World Cup matches are being broadcast live on subscription service Premier Sports and at domestic level, the game is truly national, with London Roosters and Edinburgh Giants competing in Super League and Gravesend Dynamite, Midlands Hurricanes and North Wales Crusaders taking part in this year’s second-tier Championship.

The code is instantly recognisable as rugby league, played with an oval ball, the same scoring system and similar rules to the running game. And it’s very much a contact sport. Promoted properly, it is a version of the game which really could take off.