England wins Wheelchair World Cup third time after fighting back
England won the Wheelchair World Cup final 50-38, becoming the first nation to win three times.
England's wheelchair rugby league team claimed their third World Cup title on Friday, defeating France 50-38 in Wollongong. Trailing 22-10 at one point, England fought back with tries from Rob Hawkins and Jack Brown to take control by halftime and power to victory.
Coach Tom Coyd had prepared his team with an aggressive mindset, using a painted ladder in team meetings to visualise their path to the trophy, adding a gold rung with each win. The team also adopted a shark mentality.
England's attacking approach worked, amassing 386 points across the group stage and semi-finals while conceding just 68. Captain Lewis King's composure during the match helped the team stay calm through the comeback.
Rob Hawkins, named the world's best player for a third time, was one of nine try scorers.
- England 50-38 France
- Final score
- 386 for, 68 against
- Tournament points
- nine players
- Try scorers
- three
- World titles won
Why it mattersEngland's dominant display shows how psychological preparation and attacking tactics can overcome deficits in major tournaments.
