Ashes Rivalry Reignited: Australia and England Set for Wheelchair Rugby League Showdown 

The fierce sporting rivalry between Australia and England will take on a fresh new chapter later this year as the two nations clash in a highly anticipated Wheelchair Rugby League Ashes Test Series.  

Set to take place on the Gold Coast, the series marks England’s first tour of Australia in six years and serves as a key milestone in the lead-up to the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. 

The Australian Wheelaroos will take on England, the reigning World Cup Champions, in a two-Test series at the Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre. The matches are scheduled for Thursday, October 30 and Sunday, November 2, and will bookend the inaugural LCA NRL Wheelchair Championships at the same venue.  

The Ashes tour will also include warm-up fixtures against New South Wales on October 24 in Sydney and Queensland on October 27 on the Sunshine Coast, giving England a chance to test their mettle against Australia’s state-level talent and providing selectors with a broader pool of players to evaluate ahead of the World Cup.  

Brett Clark, named Head Coach for the campaign, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the national side as they prepare to take on the world’s best. 

“This Ashes series is more than a rivalry—it’s our chance to put Wheelchair Rugby League front and centre in Australia. Every time we take the pitch, we’re showcasing our speed, skill, and toughness that defines what the Wheelaroos are,” Clark said.

“We’re not just here to compete with England—we’re here to bring awareness of our game to Australians, grow our sport, and prove that Wheelchair Rugby League deserves its place in the spotlight.” 

Wheelchair Rugby League Australia CEO, Anna Fitzgerald, expressed enthusiasm for the tour, stating,

“We’re pleased to host England on home soil, providing our Wheelaroos with an incredible opportunity to test their mettle against the world’s best.  It promises to be a great clash of world leading nations and serving as a precursor to what fans can expect as part of the Rugby League World Cup next year.” 

The last time England toured Australia in 2019, they set the benchmark with strong performances in Sydney and Wollongong. Since then, Australia has invested heavily in growing and strengthening its Wheelchair Rugby League program—setting the stage for a thrilling 2025 Ashes Series. 

With anticipation building, fans can expect a spectacular showcase of elite athleticism, strategy, and national pride as two of the sport’s powerhouses go head-to-head for Ashes glory in a format that continues to rise in popularity and prestige. 

Australian Wheelaroos Announce Squad for 2025 Ashes Test Series 

Following an extensive and fiercely contested selection process, the Australian Wheelaroos are proud to unveil the squad that will represent the nation in the highly anticipated 2025 Ashes Test Series against England, taking place this October and November on the Gold Coast. 

With the depth of talent in Wheelchair Rugby League continuing to expand across Australia, selectors faced the welcome challenge of narrowing down the squad to a group of athletes who embody both elite skill and the true spirit of the game. 

Head Coach and selectors commended the unwavering commitment, resilience, and high-performance standards demonstrated by all athletes throughout the lead up selection games. Their efforts highlighting the exciting and promising future of Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia. 

The 2025 Australian Wheelaroos Team 

• Bayley McKenna, QLD 

• Zac Schumacher, QLD 

• Diab Karim, NSW 

• Peter Arbuckle, QLD 

• Daniel Anstey, QLD 

• Cory Cannane, NSW 

• Adam Tannock, QLD 

• Brad Grove, NSW 

The extended squad members include Dylan Gawthorne, QLD and Liam Luff, NSW. 

This elite squad combines international experience with fresh energy, ensuring a formidable challenge to the touring England side. The Ashes series promises to deliver world-class action, with the Wheelaroos ready to showcase the fast and physical nature of Wheelchair Rugby League on home soil. 

The Gold Coast will provide the stage for what is set to be an unforgettable series, with fans encouraged to get behind the green and gold as the Wheelaroos chase Ashes glory. 

Tickets will be hotly sought after for the events and will launch shortly.