Rob Hawkins, one of the five wheelchair rugby league World Cup winners, has been selected in England’s squad to defend the title in Australia this autumn. The side also includes four other 2022 champions.
The England Wheelchair Rugby League governing body announced today the national squad that will compete in the World Cup scheduled for autumn 2026 in Australia. The roster features five players who lifted the trophy in 2022, including Rob Hawkins, a recognised leader on the court.
Squad details
Alongside Hawkins, selectors chose Mark Smith, James Collins, Sami Abdullah and Emma Johnson. All four were part of the 2022 final and contributed to England’s triumph. Head coach David Wilson stressed that the collective experience will help the side tackle the challenges of playing down under.
The tournament in Australia
The competition will be staged across three major cities – Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane – and will involve twelve nations from across the globe. Expectations are high for a tighter contest after significant improvements from Asian and African teams.
- Opening match: England vs Australia in Sydney.
- Third‑place playoff: England vs Canada.
- Final: England vs New Zealand (projected).
England maintains a dedicated training hub in London equipped with specialist facilities for wheelchair athletes. The squad will also play a series of warm‑up fixtures before departing for Australia to ensure peak physical and tactical readiness.
Analysts predict that fighting spirit and team cohesion will be decisive, especially with veterans like Hawkins bringing valuable international experience.
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