England Wheelchair v France is a sell-out as the ABK Beer Internationals start on Saturday

Saturday’s Wheelchair International between England and France, the start of the ABK Beer International Series, is a sell-out.

The last tickets for the match at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan were snapped up yesterday, meaning an intense atmosphere for Wheelchair Rugby League’s fiercest rivalry, as England take on France for the third time since the unforgettable World Cup Final between the teams in Manchester two years ago.

Martin Coyd OBE, the General Manager of England Wheelchair Rugby League, said:

“It’s exciting news for all our players that we will have a full house for the first international of the year.

“It’s a significant day for Wheelchair Rugby League, as we also have a big step in our England Futures Programme, with Juniors and Women’s matches preceding the England v France senior international.”

The England-France game will be shown live on BBC iPlayer, kicking off at 2.30pm, with commentary from Matt Newsum and Freya Levy – who will captain one of the teams in the Women’s Futures match.

England hope to confirm two more Wheelchair Internationals to be played this autumn – a return match in France, and also a first fixture against Spain since the World Cup.

England Future Programme Team Selections:
 
 
Juniors

Sid Ramsey, Joshua Mackenzie (Captain), Isobel Wright, Anna Mackenzie, Hayden Allott-Howard, Jake Sawyer, Marley Bellamy, Coach: Mike Swainger

Casper Wass (Captain), Will Brooks, Belle Blakeston, Amy Scaife, Malacahi Longfellow, Chris Brown, Rylie Green, Coach: Michael Collins

Women

Emma Haigh, Katie Haigh, April Brooks, Freya Levy (Captain), Nicole Benjamin, Jenny Pearson, Ellalouise Care, Sarah Enness, Coach: Ian Stapleson

Bev Walker, Vicky Brooks (Captain), Becky Wilkinson, Katy Walsh, Stacey Roulson, Skye Tranter, Dawn Shore, Beccy Noble, Coach: Greg Brown