England Wheelchair RL Squad Overhaul

Head coach Tom Coyd has injected fresh talent into England's wheelchair rugby league setup, with Luis Domingos (Castleford Tigers) leading three uncapped call-ups. The Portuguese dual-sport athlete returns to rugby league after representing his nation in wheelchair basketball, bringing championship-winning experience from April's Wheelchair Challenge Trophy final.

Tour Itinerary & Competitive Trials

The 17-player squad will be trimmed to 10 for October's landmark tour featuring:

• 24 Oct: Warm-up vs New South Wales (Sydney)
• 27 Oct: Clash vs Queensland (Sunshine Coast)
• 30 Oct & 2 Nov: Ashes Tests vs Australia (Gold Coast)

Recent trial matches at York University saw standout performances from Halifax Panthers' Finlay O'Neill and Hull FC's Josh Edwards, both securing squad spots.

Tactical Additions & Leadership

Coyd's selections blend youth and experience:

• Halifax Panthers trio Nathan Holmes, Wayne Boardman, and Jack Brown bring Challenge Cup final pedigree
• London Roosters pair Mason Billington and Jason Owen add attacking flair
• Veteran campaigners Sebastien Bechara (Catalans) and Tom Halliwell (Leeds) provide Ashes experience

"Domingos' transition from international basketball demonstrates our program's growing appeal," Coyd told BBC Sport. "His chair speed and tactical awareness could prove vital against Australia's physicality."

Full Squad Breakdown

This tour marks England's first wheelchair Ashes series on Australian soil since the code's Paralympic recognition in 2023. The squad departs October 10 for a grueling 23-day campaign.