Yorkshire duo join England wheelchair rugby league coaching team ahead of World Cup

Martyn Rothwell, a senior lecturer in sport coaching at Sheffield Hallam University, brings 17 years of experience to the role having previously managed the Rugby Football League's midlands player pathway.

He joins a new coaching structure, led by Tom Coyd, from the Medway Dragons club in Kent.

Mr Rothwell said he was forward to working closely with the players and the coaching team to help individuals and the team fulfill their potential.

He added: "It is encouraging to see how the players have adapted during lockdown, continuing to prepare for the World Cup in unusual circumstances.

"The commitment shown by the players will bode well for the preparation period between now and the tournament starting in November 2021."

They are joined by Yorkshire born Wayne Boardman, 45, an established member of the Halifax and England playing squad, who was paralysed following a motorcycle accident when he was 29.

Speaking about the inclusion of the Yorkshire pair Dave Rotheram, the RFL’s Chief On-Field Officer, said: "Wayne Boardman has been a key member of the team for several years and given his considerable experience as a wheelchair athlete, has been appointed to assist Tom. Martyn Rothwell completes the coaching team, bringing huge experience and know how."

Two members of the England Performance Unit – coach developer, Stuart Barrow, and Professor Ben Jones, the unit’s head of performance make up the rest of the team.

England Wheelchair had a busy year in 2019 with tours to France and Australia and while their results were very encouraging, the tours also provided the opportunity for a thorough assessment of our coaching structure.

Mr Rotheram added: "This is the most important and exciting period for Wheelchair Rugby League as we prepare to host the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in 2021.

"That has led to the decision to reshape the team with the appointment of Tom Coyd as head coach. Tom has been an assistant coach since the beginning of 2018 and is highly regarded by the players and impressed everyone with his work in France and Australia.

"This has been underlined with excellent leadership and innovation during the current period of restriction."

Sheffield has been announced as Rugby League World Cup 2021 host city for the France, Wales, Scotland and USA wheelchair sides. The Steel City will also welcome Greece’s men’s national rugby league team.

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