Wales will take on the UK Armed Forces in a Wheelchair representative match on Saturday, 22nd November at Allam Sports Centre in Hull (kick-off 2pm).
It’s the first time that Wales have taken on this side, but they did face The Army in Cwmbran last year, where Wales won a tight match 34-24.
Wales have qualified for next year’s Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup, so this match will be valuable preparation for not just that tournament in October/November, but for Wales’ Celtic Cup campaign in Scotland in the middle of 2026.
Wales Wheelchair head coach Alan Caron said: “It’s great to be able take on the UK Armed Forces leading into what will be a big year for us in 2026 with the Celtic Cup and the World Cup.
“The Celtic Cup is massive for us in 2026 as we want to not only reclaim the trophy but prepare well for the World Cup, so playing against the UK Armed Forces, who will be a strong side, will be a good benchmark for where we are.
“We’re excited to be back up and running, just as the WRL Wheelchair league finishes. It will be good to be able to get all the team back together again, and we know, like the Army was last year, the UK Armed Forces will be a tough challenge for us.”
UK Armed Forces launched their Wheelchair side this summer, uniting representation from all three services: the Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force. So far, they have faced and beaten the England Universities Wheelchair Rugby League side at their inaugural launch event in London, and drew 42-all with a South-East England select.
Steve Sampher of Hull FC, who is the UK Armed Forces player manager, said: “We are excited to play Wales on November 22nd at the Allam Sports Arena in Hull.
“By bringing together players from across the services, we have formed a stronger and more diverse roster, providing us with more options as we move forward. Together, we now have a truly inclusive and powerful squad ready to represent us on the pitch.
“Last year, we narrowly lost to Wales when fielding an Army-only side. However, with all three services contributing, we are confident that we can reverse that result and continue to build a lasting sporting link between Wales and the UK Armed Forces.
“The upcoming 2026 season promises to be exciting, with the UK Armed Forces Team considering potential overseas tours and a great season of domestic fixtures.”
