Newly formed England Universities Wheelchair side enjoyed facing UK Armed Forces Wheelchair

Newly formed England Universities Wheelchair RL side faced the UK Armed Forces Wheelchair RL team on Saturday 31 May at St Mary’s, Twickenham, London Main Campus Sports Centre.

The students were led by team manager Chris Bryde, a qualified Wheelchair RL coach and retired U.S. Marine, who is currently a PhD candidate at St. Mary’s.

Bryde is a founding member of wheelchair rugby league at the university and medalled in the 2025 Invictus Games, winning a silver medal in Biathlon and bronze in wheelchair rugby union.

Kevin Rudd, one of the leaders of the student team, commented: “It was a great occasion, and we would love to hear from players that are students or coaches and already part of the game who are interested in getting involved with wheelchair RL within universities.

“The England Universities team also enjoyed some technical support from England Wheelchair RL in their preparations which was a great experience for the students.

“It is thanks to the efforts of professional staff and volunteers working together across a number of organisations that has enabled this event to happen.”

As part of the build up, England Universities held two trial/training days for the side at St Mary’s for final selection.

UKAF Wheelchair RL manger, Steve Sampher, commented: “The fixture presented a fantastic opportunity for both sides to develop their playing groups.

“This match also reinforced the longstanding bond between UKAF RL and University RL—a relationship that has thrived for decades in the running game.

“We hope this match will further display the wheelchair version of our sport to new audiences and inspire more people to get involved.”

Four university sides – St Mary’s, Brunel, University College London and York - were represented in the England team, who were treated to some of the best wheelchair skills from their opponents who included 2021 Wheelchair RL World Cup winner James Simpson-Hill; retired colonel Richard Navailurua managing the military side.

The students, coached by Aymun Khan of Brunel and Bedford Tigers, never gave up in a 106-8 defeat against a faster team with specialist equipment, skipper Lochlan O’Higgins with one of their tries, while financial director of St Mary’s, Richard Solomon, conducted a ceremonial kick off.

“More players are coming forward looking to get involved every week,” said Rudd. “Prior to the main game there were some heartening, competitive matches between Elmbridge Eagles, UK Armed Forces Development and England Universities Development sides.

“This now creates all kinds of potential for university wheelchair matches against similar educational institutions from other countries and more armed forces internationals.”

He added: “The spirit and camaraderie between everyone involved ensured a great experience for all.”