Halifax stars to the fore as England win historic World Cup title

The victory marks a historic milestone for the side, as they become the first nation to win the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup three times and the first England Wheelchair team to secure back-to-back titles.

England made a dream start to the final, with Joe Coyd slicing through the French defence to open the scoring before racing down the pitch to grab his second try inside the opening ten minutes.

France responded through Jeremy Bourson, who crossed in the corner, before Leo Hivernat added the conversion to bring his side back into contention at 10-6, following England's missed initial conversion.

The momentum soon shifted in France's favour. Hivernat crossed next to level the scores at 10-10, before Damien Dore put the French ahead as they completed an impressive comeback from a 10-point deficit to lead 10-16.

France continued to build their advantage when Florian Guttadoro crossed for another try, with the successful conversion extending their lead to 10-22.

England were determined to respond and came close through a dangerous attacking move, as Halifax Panthers’ Jack Brown launched the ball down field for Halifax team mate Rob Hawkins, while Nathan Collins also threatened to get over the line. However, the French defence stood firm to deny them.

The defending champions eventually found their way back onto the scoresheet when Coyd powered through the French defensive line to claim his hat-trick, with Collins adding the conversion to cut the deficit to six points.

With half-time approaching, Hawkins brought the scores level before sending the ball downfield for Jack Brown, who produced a superb finish, grounding the ball just before it went out of play to hand England a narrow 28-22 lead heading into the break.

France came out firing after the restart and made an immediate impact, crossing through Dany Denuwelaere just a minute into the second half. However, Hawkins soon responded to put England back in front.

It was a battle of the defences for the next ten minutes, with both sides holding strong to prevent their opponent from crossing, until Coyd broke the deadlock.

Brown headed over twice to put the game firmly in England’s favour, taking it to 50-34 with just under ten minutes to go.

England’s defensive resilience continued to keep France at bay, before the visitors managed a late try with just 90 seconds on the clock. However, it proved to be little more than a consolation, as England held on to secure the victory.

After an outstanding performance on the occasion, Coyd was deservedly named Player of the Match, finishing with a huge four tries.

On earning his third World Cup title, hat-trick scoring Brown said: "Amazingly proud. I'm feeling a little bit out of body at the moment.

"That was an incredible display. It was so much fun playing with the guys. Everyone was looking after each other.

“We said we had to sort of play lifeguard for each other; when one of us would drop, the other guys would go in and save them and when they dropped, someone else would put their hat on and go and save them, too.

"That's what was proved today.

"With five minutes left, I looked up and I said: 'Damn, are we that far ahead?' Maybe we should start slowing down a little bit! That's when I saw a light at the end of the tunnel and knew we had to slow down the game and control the ending. I didn't have a clue until then!

"Have to say a massive thank you to all the people who support us; we have loads of support, give us all the best equipment, best research, best places to stay and we can't thank them enough.

“Not just the ten lads in that squad that are lifting that trophy; it's every member of staff and every person in that corner making so much noise. It's their World Cup, not just ours."