England Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup champions beat France

Final match details and score

England secured back-to-back titles with a victory over France in Wollongong. The final score was 50-38 after England led by six points at half-time. Joe Coyd scored four tries while Rob Hawkins added two for the home nation. Jack Brown finished with three tries to help cement the lead. France responded with four unanswered tries before halftime and a hat-trick from Dany Denuwelaere later in the game.

Historical context and rivalry

This marked the third time England has won the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. France previously won the tournament in 2013 and 2017 while England took victories in 2022 and this year. The two nations have met in all five previous finals with England winning three overall. Tom Coyd's side defended their crown successfully on Australian soil after a narrow win in Manchester four years ago.

Player achievements and reactions

Rob Hawkins became the first player to win three successive Golden Boots awarded by the IRL. The Halifax Panthers wing provided crucial support with two tries during the contest. England painted a final rung on their dressing-room ladder gold to mark this achievement. Denuwelaere completed his hat-trick late in the match but could not change the result.