16-year-old McCabe to make Wales Wheelchair debut in World Cup opener

Fionn McCabe will make his Wales Wheelchair debut in the opening Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup match against England in Wollongong, Australia, on Friday, 30 October. McCabe, who turned 16 on 18 October, will become Wales Wheelchair's third-youngest debutant.

Wales qualified automatically for the 2026 World Cup having been semi-finalists in 2021. Head coach Alan Caron has named two new faces in his starting line-up, with McCabe and John Berriman included. McCabe is a North Wales Crusader and Berriman plays for York RLFC, reflecting Caron’s decision to mix youth and experience in the squad.

McCabe and Berriman will join an experienced core that includes captain Jodie Boyd-Ward, vice-captain Stuart Williams and former skipper Mark Williams, who combine for almost 100 Wales caps. Wales: Sid Ramsey, Fionn McCabe, Jodie Boyd-Ward (c), Jonathan Gill, Stuart Williams, Matthew Turner, Mark Williams, John Berriman. Reserves: Lee Sargent, Andrew Higgins.

"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."

The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup runs from 30 October to 13 November. Wales' opening game against the defending champions takes place in Wollongong, Australia, on Friday, 30 October.

Wales also face Ireland on Tuesday, 3 November and USA three days later in Group A. Group B comprises Australia, France, New Zealand and Scotland.