McCabe, 16, handed Wales Wheelchair debut in World Cup opener

Wales have named 16-year-old Fionn McCabe in their squad for their opening Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup game against England. Wales qualified automatically for the 2026 World Cup having been semi-finalists in 2021 Fionn McCabe will become Wales Wheelchair's third-youngest debutant in their opening Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup game against England. The North Wales Crusader, who turned 16 on 18 October, is one of two new faces in the Welsh starting line-up, as well as York RLFC's John Berriman. Head coach Alan Caron has opted to blend youth with experience, with the two debutants lining up alongside captain Jodie Boyd-Ward, vice-captain Stuart Williams and former skipper Mark Williams – who combine for almost 100 Wales caps.

Wales' opening game against the defending champions takes place in Wollongong, Australia, on Friday, 30 October. "England are world champions, so we know they'll be tough, but we have five games and three weeks, and we know that we're trying to plan not just for this game, but the second, third, fourth and fifth," said Caron. "The England team has changed since the last World Cup, as has ours. But the youngsters that are coming through have been selected because they've got really good qualities, not just for now, but for the future of the game in Wales." Wales also face Ireland on