Busy Weekend for Wheelchair Stars with National Camps, International Honours and Australia Tour on the Horizon

16/03/2026

It has been an exciting and productive weekend for several of our Wheelchair players, with national training camps, international debuts and an upcoming tour to Australia all making headlines.

Saturday and Sunday saw Wheelchair captain Stephen Reilly join teammates Chris Haynes, Joe Wink-Simmonds and new signing Luis Domingos at their first National Performance Squad training session in 2026 after being named in Tom Coyd’s 16-player squad preparing for this year’s World Cup.

The quartet travelled to Nottingham for the weekend camp, where they were put through an intensive programme designed to sharpen preparations ahead of the end-of-season competition. The sessions also gave the players a valuable opportunity to impress the England Head Coach as he begins shaping his final squad for the tournament later this year. 

Haynes has already represented his country at the highest level, and now he is raising funds for a custom-fitted wheelchair to help him keep competing at his best and to help him take the Eagles to new heights. Every donation helps Chris get the equipment he needs to train, travel, and perform without limits. 

You can show him your support by donating HERE. He has already raised over £6,500 all thanks to the generosity of the people who have showed him their support so far. 

Elsewhere on Saturday, fellow Wheelchair player Gareth Ramsey celebrated a major milestone as he made his debut for the Wales A National Squad, following his first-ever call-up earlier this month.

Ramsey featured in a fixture against the UK Armed Forces Wheelchair Team, part of a double-header event, and marked the occasion in style by scoring a try during an emphatic 86-6 victory for Wales A.

Reflecting on the experience, Ramsey said: “To be picked to represent Wales was an absolute honour. Scoring in any game is always a great feeling, but to score on my debut for Wales is something special. It’s definitely one for the memory bank.”

Also involved in the fixture was other Wheelchair player Ben Wilson, who lined up for the UK Armed Forces team against Ramsey. Wilson, also represents our Sheffield Eagles Physical Disability side. 

Speaking after the match, Wilson said: “It was great meeting up again with the UKAF team after four months. Despite the one-sided scoreline, we learnt a lot about what we need to focus on as a group.

“It can be challenging as an exhibition side when we don’t see each other very often, but the games are always played in great spirits. For many veterans it’s just as much about recovery, sport and camaraderie as it is about the result.”

Looking ahead, Wilson is preparing for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity later this year when he travels to Australia with the UK Armed Forces Wheelchair Team for an international tour.

To help make the trip possible, Wilson has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support the costs of the tour. Thanks to early generosity, the fundraiser has already raised over £600, and supporters can continue to help him reach his goal and take part in this incredible opportunity. Click HERE to show Ben your support with a donation.