England Wheelchair will return to Australia for the first time in six years this autumn – the perfect way to prepare to defend the World Cup Down Under in 2026.
Dates have now been confirmed for a four-match tour which will include State fixtures against New South Wales and Queensland before two Tests against the Wheelaroos – both at the Gold Coast Indoor Sport and Leisure Centre which is expected to be a key venue in next year’s Rugby League World Cup and the 2032 Olympics.
England last toured Australia in 2019 and also played two Tests, winning 84-28 in Sydney and 58-20 in Wollongong.
They then beat the Wheelaroos 38-8 at the Copper Box Arena in London in the opening game of their triumphant World Cup campaign in 2022.
But England are braced for a much sterner challenge following the increased focus on Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia in recent years – with Barrie-Jon Mather, the former cross-code England international, engaged by the NRL last winter to conduct a comprehensive review of the Wheelaroos High Performance Program in the build-up to hosting the World Cup.
Martin Coyd OBE, the General Manager of England Wheelchair Rugby League, said:
“We are excited to have confirmation of an Ashes Tour at the end of the year.
“It will be a significant event in its own right, as playing Australia on their own territory is always a major challenge, and one that our England players will relish.
“We are especially pleased to be touring the year ahead of our World Cup defence, as an Ashes series will raise the profile of Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia.
“The prospect of a trip to Australia will provide an extra edge and spice to the domestic 2025 season, as we’ve already seen in our Invitational Festival in Nottingham, and the England Tri-Series in York last weekend, with players looking to earn selection in the squad.
“It is clear that the pool of talent has grown and we have nine clubs represented by the 24 players who are currently on the National Talent Pathway, all striving for a seat on the aeroplane in October.”
The battle for England places continued on Saturday with Halifax Panthers and London Roosters qualifying for the 2025 Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final.
Halifax, who were Challenge Cup winners for the first four years after its introduction in 2015 but had not reached the Final since the last of those wins in 2018, demolished the Wheelchair Super League newcomers Sheffield Eagles 100-18 at Ponds Forge.
The Roosters, coached by England head coach Tom Coyd, had a much tighter contest against the reigning Super League champions Leeds Rhinos in Barking, coming from behind to snatch a 30-28 win and secure their first ever Challenge Cup Final appearance.
The Final will be played at Robin Park in Wigan on Saturday June 14.
England Wheelchair Ashes Tour 2026
Friday October 24 v New South Wales (Sydney)
Monday October 27 v Queensland (Sunshine Coast)
Thursday October 30 – First Test v Australia (Gold Coast)
Sunday November 2 – Second Test v Australia (Gold Coast)
