Gareth Ramsey will make his Wales Wheelchair Rugby League debut when they take on USA in their final group match at the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup on Friday at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong (kick-off 1.30pm local, 2.30am GMT).
He has been named in the eight-player squad for the clash at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, having been among the reserves for Wales’ previous match against Ireland.
However, Gareth may not share the court with his son Sid, who moves to the reserves for this fixture, and may only play if selected as ninth player and if there are head injuries.
Martin Turner, also named in the reserves, is in the same situation. His son Matthew retains his place in the starting eight.
Matthew has a personal milestone in his sights, needing just one try against USA to reach 50 for the season for club and country.
John Berriman and Fionn McCabe return to the side, with Mark Williams and Jodie Boyd-Ward rested, meaning that the latter will have to wait until next Monday to win her 50th international cap.
Stuart Williams, Wales’ captain in the 2022 World Cup, will take the armband again for this match.
Wales will look to finish the group stages on a positive note after defeats to England and Ireland. Those results mean they, along with USA, Scotland and New Zealand, are now destined for next week’s consolation finals.
Friday’s encounter will determine third place in Group A, with the winner of Wales versus USA finishing above the other. The same situation applies in Group B, where Scotland and New Zealand will meet to decide third place.
The third-placed team in each group will face the fourth-placed team from the opposite group next Monday, before the tournament concludes with ranking matches on Thursday.
Wales head coach Alan Caron said: Wales head coach Alan Caron said: “Gareth has been working hard and we’re delighted to give him his opportunity to make his Wales debut. It’s always a special moment when a player represents their country for the first time, and I’m sure he’ll be very proud. Having Sid involved as well makes it an extra special occasion for the family.
“It’s also good to welcome John and Fionn back into the side. We’re conscious that we need to manage the squad carefully at this stage of the tournament and make sure we’re in the best possible condition for next week’s matches.
“There’s still plenty to play for against USA. We want to finish the group stages with a good performance, build some confidence and take that into next week.”
WALES SQUAD TO FACE USA
2 Fionn McCabe (North Wales Crusaders, 1 Wales cap)
3 Lee Sargent (Birmingham Hurricanes / Cardiff Blue Dragons, 9 Wales caps)
4 Andrew Higgins (Birmingham Hurricanes, 38 Wales caps)
6 Jonathan Gill (North Wales Crusaders, 3 Wales caps)
7 Stuart Williams (Edinburgh Giants / North Wales Crusaders, 38 Wales caps)
8 Gareth Ramsey (Sheffield Eagles, 0 Wales caps)
9 Matthew Turner (Wigan Warriors / North Wales Crusaders, 4 Wales caps)
11 John Berriman (York RLFC, 1 Wales cap)
Reserves
1 Sid Ramsey (Sheffield Eagles, 4 Wales caps)
12 Martin Turner (North Wales Crusaders, 2 Wales caps)
