England to tour Australia for Wheelchair Ashes series

Australia will host England in a Wheelchair Ashes series next October, with English dual international Barrie-Jon Mather to help ready the Wheelaroos to face the World Cup holders.

England, who are No.1 in the IRL World Rankings after drawing their recent series with France, will play four Tests against the Wheelaroos in a thrilling preview ahead of the 2026 World Cup in Australia.    

The tour marks England’s return to Australian shores for the first time since 2019, reigniting the rivalry between the two sides and providing the Wheelaroos with the opportunity to test themselves against some of the world's best players.

The England squad includes 2024 Golden Boot winner Rob Hawkins and previous holders of the award - Seb Bechara (2022) and Jack Brown (2019), who coached Queensland to their fourth consecutive victory over NSW in July.  

The two teams last met in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup, with a large audience watching on BBC as England claimed victory in one of the tournament’s most memorable encounters.

The Wheelaroos reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by France, who lost an epic final against England at Manchester Central.

England and France play each season for the Fassolette-Kielty Trophy, while Australia this year played New Zealand in an historic two-match series, which marked the international debut of the Wheel Kiwis.

Wheelchair Rugby League Australia has engaged Mather, an experienced leader in high-performance sport, to conduct a comprehensive review of its High-Performance Program ahead of the tour and the 2026 World Cup.

Mather, who represented England in league and union, played for Wigan before moving to Australia as a foundation player for Perth's Western Reds in 1995.

He took charge of player development for Britain's Rugby Football League in 2009 and was England team manager at the 2013 World Cup before returning to Australia as the NSWRL's GM of football, overseeing Origin campaigns.

Mather’s extensive insight into player development, coaching, and elite program management will help position the Wheelaroos for success on the world stage.

With England holding the title of world champions and the Wheelaroos continuing to strengthen their program, the 2025 Ashes series will deliver world class competition in Australia.

Martin Meredith, Chair of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia, emphasised the importance of the series for Australian fans and the Wheelaroos.

“This series is a significant occasion for Australian wheelchair rugby league as we welcome England to our shores," he said.

"The Wheelaroos are ready to take on the challenge, and this tour provides an excellent opportunity to connect with fans, raise the sport's profile locally, and build excitement ahead of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup”.

Martin Coyd OBE, General Manager of England Wheelchair Rugby League, said: “Our rivalry with Australia is one we hold in the highest regard. It’s a contest reflecting the best of wheelchair rugby league—skill, passion, and sportsmanship.

"It’s a moment to celebrate the game, our shared history, and the competitive spirit that drives us forward.”