England beats France 50–38 to retain wheelchair rugby league world title

England beat France 50–38 in the wheelchair Rugby League World Cup final in Wollongong, Australia, retaining the title after a match that swung between the teams.

In the previous final, England beat France 28–24 in Manchester in November 2022, with a late try from Tom Halliwell.

England recovers after France takes the lead

Coyd helped England take a 10–0 lead, but France answered with four consecutive tries to go ahead 22–10. England recovered before halftime, with Coyd completing his hat-trick as his team moved six points ahead.

France’s Dany Denuwelaere leveled the score after halftime before Rob Hawkins put England back in front. Coyd then scored again, but Denuwelaere cut the gap to four points. Jack Brown followed with two consecutive tries to give England a three-score lead entering the final stages.

Denuwelaere completed his hat-trick late in the game, but England held on to remain world champion.