A number of exciting new faces combined with a significant farewell at England’s Tri-Series in York last weekend.
England Wheelchair Head Coach Tom Coyd MBE and his fellow selectors invited 10 uncapped players to join the majority from the 2024 Performance Squad, and were delighted by the quality and intensity of the three 40-minute matches contested by three eight-player squads.
But Coyd saved his warmest tribute for a new recruit for Wheelchair Rugby League’s match officials – Adam Rigby, the Wigan Warriors stalwart and double World Cup winner, who confirmed his international retirement on the eve of the session.
“I think the best measure of how much we value Adam is the fact that we appointed him as captain for our game against Spain in Nantes last year,” said the England coach.
“He’s been a key figure in the England set-up for much longer than me, stretching right back to the 2008 World Cup in Australia, and I know from talking to the other pioneers what an important part he has played.
“He’s always been a pleasure to coach and to have in our group – and it’s typical of Adam that even as he makes the decision to step away from England as player, not only will he continue to play in the Wigan jersey which he loves so much, but he also wants to maintain his involvement in Wheelchair Rugby League as a match official.”
Rigby, who will be 33 in July, said:
“For a number of reasons, I’ve decided this is the right time.
“It’s amazing to think I was only 16 when I made my England debut in the 2008 World Cup in Australia. Because I was so young, I didn’t really appreciate what I was doing.
“I do find it special to be considered one of the pioneers – and to have been on the journey of Wheelchair Rugby League to the incredible experience of winning the World Cup at home in 2022, when the sport moved out of sports halls and into arenas.
“There will always be a bond between us as a group, and that’s why I wanted to tell Tom this weekend and be around the rest of the lads.
“Being captain of my country in what turned out to be my final game for England last year was another special moment that I’ll always remember.”
With details of England’s Ashes tour of Australia to be confirmed later this week, the selection panel will name an initial group of up to 10 players for the 2025 National Performance Squad later this month.
A number of places will be left open to be filled by the outstanding performers in a “Future of England” match at the University of York on Sunday June 15.
The NPS will then gather at St George’s Park for the first full training session of the year on June 28, followed by an Origin-style fixture, also in York, on July 13, after which the squad for Australia will be selected.
“It’s an exciting year, as I’ve said before, with an Ashes tour in the autumn ahead of the World Cup in Australia next year,” added Coyd.
“The Tri-Series was a great start, and the players really fed off the enthusiasm and support of the crowd – which was exactly what we wanted as we look forward to returning to York for two more big England events this summer.”
