Chris Haynes receives England Wheelchair call-up

04/07/2024

Sheffield Eagles’ Chris Haynes has earned a call up to England Wheelchair Rugby League’s National Performance Squad (NPS), ahead of this Sunday’s training session at the University of York.

Haynes’ selection follows an impressive display at the recent ‘Future of England’ trial match in York and makes him one of only two non-Betfred Super League players in the squad – the other being North Queensland Cowboys’ Jack Brown.

Chris Haynes said: “It was a great privilege to have taken part in the Future of England match, but this is another level again. We’ve come on leaps and bounds at Sheffield Eagles in a relatively short space of time, and I owe my selection to those around me at the club as much as to my own performances.

“Being called up has vindicated my decision to become involved in Wheelchair Rugby League. It's given me the opportunity to keep playing the sport that I love after my injury, the camaraderie at our club is amazing and everyone’s excited for me.”

 England head coach, Tom Coyd MBE, adds: “Chris is fully deserving of his call up and if Sheffield Eagles keep on producing players like him it will make my job a lot easier. They are doing a fantastic job, with a holistic approach that nurtures not only their first team, but also their women’s and youth sections.

“The selection of a player from the Championship also demonstrates the rapid development of our sport in recent years. I’ll continue to monitor the performances of all England-eligible players in all the domestic competitions throughout the season.”

Sunday’s NPS training session at York Sport Centre is the second of seven scheduled for 2024 as England Wheelchair RL build towards the autumn internationals.

England Wheelchair Rugby League Performance Squad

Seb Bechara MBE (Catalans Dragons), Mason Billington (London Roosters), Wayne Boardman (Halifax Panthers), Jack Brown (North Queensland Cowboys), Josh Butler, Nathan Collins (both Leeds Rhinos), Joe Coyd (London Roosters), Tom Halliwell OBE (Leeds Rhinos), Rob Hawkins (Halifax Panthers), Chris Haynes (Sheffield Eagles), Jack Heggie (Wigan Warriors), Nathan Holmes (Halifax Panthers), Lewis King (London Roosters), Tristan Norfolk (Hull FC), Jason Owen (London Roosters), Adam Rigby (Wigan Warriors)