In light of International Wheelchair Day, we take a look back at England Wheelchair's memorable Rugby League World Cup win and their magical journey to being crowned World Champions in their home country.
The 2021 Rugby League World Cup (held in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic) saw the wheelchair tournament played simultaneously with the men's and women's World Cup competitions for the first time ever. And it was clean sweep for England Wheelchair as they made it three from three in Group A of the group stages, with empathic wins over Australia, Spain and Ireland respectively. This was before a stunning semi-final win over Wales to line up a thrilling finale with Group B table toppers France.
And it was an electrifying World Cup Final, as hosts England went on to famously defeat France 28-24 at Manchester Central, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 4,526 for the sport. England captain Tom Halliwell crashed over to score a sensational late try with just three minutes left on the clock, as England went on the lift the trophy in what was a special and unforgettable moment in the sport's history.
Watch England Wheelchair stars Rob Hawkins and Wayne Boardman reflect on their Rugby League World Cup success. The pair watch matches on route to the final, as well as describing their emotions on their run to being World Champions.
