Wayne Boardman has announced he will retire from International Wheelchair Rugby League ahead of this autumn’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia.
Boardman has been a cornerstone of the England National Wheelchair Rugby League team since the early days of international competition.
The former international holds England’s Heritage Number 1 having featured in the very first Wheelchair international and has continued to represent his country across multiple campaigns.
A former running-game Rugby League player, he transitioned to Wheelchair Rugby League following a life-changing accident aged 29 and quickly established himself as one of the sport’s pioneers.
Over a career spanning more than two decades, Boardman has represented England on numerous occasions, including at consecutive Wheelchair Rugby League World Cups in 2017 and 2022.
He played a key role in guiding England to back-to-back finals, helping his side lift the World Cup in 2022 to become reigning world champions.
His impact on the sport spans both domestic and international stages. At club level, Boardman has spent his entire Wheelchair career with the Halifax Panthers Wheelchair Rugby League squad, where he has been a driving force as both player and captain-coach.
He was part of the Panthers’ side that won the inaugural Betfred Wheelchair Super League title in 2019, laying the foundations for the club’s ongoing domestic success.
Under his leadership, the Panthers have continued to be a dominant force in the Betfred Wheelchair Super League, securing multiple Super League titles, and Challenge Cup trophies, including in 2025 when his side went unbeaten to secure their first League Leaders’ Shield and complete the treble.
Reflecting on his international retirement, Boardman said: “I would like to thank the family, friends, players, staff and opponents over the last 20 years. Highlights include winning the 2021 RLWC in 2022 with memories that I will talk about with the same excitement to my last days!
“We have had a number of epic Test matches against many nations but my most enjoyable have been against France and Australia.
“I will continue to play and coach domestically for Halifax and one day I hope to get the opportunity to coach internationally again.
“The profile across Wheelchair Rugby League grows for which the next generation will benefit from the hard work from us foundation players to build on and I will be number one supporter for England at this year’s 2026 RLWC.”
England Wheelchair Rugby League Head Coach, Tom Coyd MBE, said: “I have worked closely with Wayne Boardman since 2018, and what has impressed me most is his ability to continually develop as a person and adapt as a player through the many evolutions of our sport.
“Representing your country demands sacrifice and resilience. Wayne has taught me more about those qualities than I can put into words. An architect from the very beginning, the story of England Wheelchair Rugby League carries his fingerprints throughout.
“Across a career spanning two decades, Wayne has been an outstanding servant to the England shirt. His commitment and relentless competitive spirit have helped drive this team forward from its inception to where it is today.
“His influence, as both a player and a leader, will be felt long after his final appearance on the field. I have no doubt Wayne will continue to shape the sport of Wheelchair Rugby League in the same way he has inspired his teammates - by always pushing forward.”
England Culture and Wellbeing Manager, Francis Stephenson, added: "Wayne Boardman’s name is etched into the very fabric of Wheelchair Rugby League, and while his retirement marks the end of an iconic international career, his influence remains as vital as ever.
“Beyond the accolades, I value the friendship we have built, particularly the time we spent together at Old Trafford after the 2022 success. Sharing a quiet glass of champagne amidst the celebrations of that historic win is a memory I will always cherish.
“This isn't a final whistle; I know there are many significant chapters still to be written in Wayne’s story, and I look forward to seeing him continue to drive the Halifax Panthers and support our England teams, guiding the next generation of players just as he once led the way for us."
