England Wheelchair today completed their historic five-match Ashes tour with an 86-20 victory over New South Wales in Wollongong – ensuring they will return home with a 100% record.
Jack Brown’s team scored another 16 tries to take their tally for the tour to a free-scoring 394 points.
There were hat-tricks for James Simpson of Leeds Rhinos and Joe Coyd of the Kent-based Argonauts, while Simpson’s Leeds team-mates Ryan Richardson and Nathan Collins added two tries apiece – and Collins also landed nine conversions for a personal haul of 26 points.
Martin Coyd OBE, the Chair of England Wheelchair Rugby League, said from Wollongong: “The inaugural England Wheelchair Rugby League Ashes Tour has been an overwhelming success. A year in planning, we set a challenging and ambitious itinerary to test all of the players and staff, on and off the field, and we have done just that.
“We have played five matches, from Townsville to Wollongong, including two Test Matches against the Wheelaroos - and performed at every stage in the process, improving along the journey.
“We’ve been welcomed everywhere, played in great venues and experienced some of this fantastic country. Most importantly, we have learned a huge amount about our players, our staff and ourselves as individuals. We recognise that we still have a lot of improvement in the group and we can build on this foundation as we continue to prepare for Rugby League World Cup in 2021.
“2019 has been our best ever International season with three special events - a Home Nations, a short tour with two Test Matches in France, and the incredible experience of an Ashes Tour.
“Winning all five games might be the headline, but the scores are of much less importance than the performance. The Aussies have made huge strides since RLWC 2017 and have provided a strong challenge for England. Our players have been excellent.
“2020 will be a step up again as we hope to host incoming tours from France in June and the Australians in October – and that will be crucial in raising the awareness of a world-class team before the World Cup in 2021."
Kevin Sinfield, the RFL’s Rugby Director who heads the England Performance Unit, added: “Securing a meaningful international programme for the England Wheelchair squad was a key priority for the EPU in 2019, as the clock ticks towards their World Cup in 2021. So we were delighted to confirm this first Ashes tour, in addition to the game in France and the Home Nations fixtures – and congratulations to the squad for the way they have responded.
“I’ve stayed in regular touch and all the reports have been positive – and it’s been a real bonus to be able to watch the action live, thanks to the Australian coverage. Hopefully we’ve also given the Wheelchair game in Australia a bit of a boost in terms of its profile, which is also important as we look ahead to 2021.
“I’d like to thank all the players, coaches and support staff for their efforts – and also Sport England for their invaluable support of the tour.”
New South Wales 20 England Wheelchair 86
England tries: Ryan Richardson 2, Lewis King, Seb Bechara, Joe Coyd 3, Tom Halliwell, Nathan Collins 2, James Simpson 3, James Hazel; conversions Tom Halliwell 2, Nathan Collins 9.
Tour Results
Versus North Queensland – won 62-12
Versus Queensland – won 104-12
Versus Australia (first Test) – won 84-28
Versus Australia (second Test) – won 58-20
Versus New South Wales – won 86-20
