England successfully defended their wheelchair Rugby League World Cup crown by defeating France 50-38 in a high-octane final in Wollongong. The match delivered the intensity expected from the world’s two dominant forces, mirroring the narrow four-point margin seen in Manchester four years ago. However, this time, the defending champions displayed greater resilience on Australian soil, overcoming a significant mid-game deficit to secure their second consecutive global title.
Joe Coyd’s four-try masterclass secures historic back-to-back titles in Wollongong
Joe Coyd emerged as the tournament’s standout performer, crossing for four tries to drive England’s attack. Although France struck back with four unanswered tries to lead 22-10, Coyd’s hat-trick before halftime restored England’s momentum, putting them ahead by six points at the break. The second half saw a tactical battle between France’s Dany Denuwelaere, who scored twice, and England’s Rob Hawkins, widely regarded as the world’s best player, whose try re-established the lead before Coyd’s fourth try opened up decisive daylight.
This victory cements the Tom Coyd-led squad’s status as the undisputed leaders in the wheelchair discipline. By edging out their old rivals in a thrilling contest, England has proven their superiority is not just historical but current. The result underscores the growing competitive depth of the sport, as the gap between the top two nations narrows, yet England’s ability to close out high-pressure finals remains unmatched.
Source: The Guardian Sport
