England go top of world rankings after Wheelchair World Cup win
England are now the number one ranked nation in the wheelchair game following their win over rivals France in the World Cup final.
England ended France’s World Cup domination since 2013 with an emphatic 28-24 win in the final. A crowd of 4,526 watched on at Manchester Central, whilst it brought in more than 1million viewers on the BBC.
As a result of their success this year, which includes a 62-48 win over France in June, they have surpassed their rivals fort he number one spot in the International Rugby League world rankings.
England coach Tom Coyd said: “This is a great way to finish an amazing year. We had the target of beating France in our home World Cup pretty much since the last World Cup in 2017.
“But we always recognised it would be a massive challenge to overtake them as the world number one; and the quality and intensity of the Final in Manchester underlined that.
“I’m delighted for all the guys who worked so hard for so long; and it’s also great to see the effect of the World Cup in the expansion of the world rankings, as Wheelchair Rugby League goes to another level.”
England boss delighted to be world number one
Australia are third in the world ranking after competitive displays against England and France. They are followed by Wales, Ireland, Scotland and Spain.
The USA, who made their international wheelchair debut at the World Cup, are eighth.
England Wheelchair general manager Martin Coyd OBE added: “After an incredible Rugby League World Cup where we were able to showcase our game to the whole sporting world, we are thrilled to be ranked as world number one.
“The national teams are getting stronger, particularly the Australians, and the emergence of the USA is very exciting.
“Being world champions and world number one is a special time; and we ill enjoy it whilst striving to get better for 2025.”
