Jodie Boyd-Ward has been named as Wales Wheelchair captain for the Celtic Cup matches against Scotland and Ireland this Saturday at Archer’s Arena, Cardiff Metropolitan University (kick-off 11am).
The 32-year-old, who was co-captain on Wales’ tour to USA last year, went on to lead Leeds Rhinos to their Super League title win in 2024.
She will also overtake Harry Jones’ record for the world’s most international Wheelchair Rugby League caps. Both are currently on 44, Jones’ caps are all with Wales, whilst Boyd-Ward has also played for Ireland and England.
She said: “It truly is an honour to be asked to captain Wales for the Celtic Cup, especially as it’s an opportunity to lead the squad out and look to reclaim the trophy.
“Last year, I knew after an amazing tour to the US, that I needed to take some time out after not taking a break for the whole of my wheelchair rugby league career.
“Now I’m back and feeling better than ever, I’m looking forward to getting stuck in with the team and also seeing how both Scotland and Ireland have continued their development, as I know we have at Wales.”
In addition, Wales’ World Cup captain from 2022, Stuart Williams, will assist her as vice-captain. The 40-year old, who is Wales’ record international try scorer with 66, returns to the side after missing last year’s Wales matches.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to the Celtic Cup. I wasn’t there last year and I’m excited and have massive anticipation for what’s going to be ahead of us.
“I can’t wait for the challenge of Scotland, and taking on the defending champions Ireland and it’s extra special to be coming back into the squad and being named vice-captain.
“I’m really chuffed with that and I can’t wait to to be there and supporting both my teammates and our captain in Jodie Boyd-Ward.”
Williams will become the Celtic Cup’s record appearance holder on Saturday when he potentially will make his 15th and 16th appearance in the competition. Forty of his international tries have come in the Celtic Cup, another tournament record.
Wales head coach Alan Caron adds: “Jodie and Stuart were my first choices for these positions. Both have proven themselves as true leaders of Wheelchair Rugby League sides. Jodie captained Leeds to winning Super League last year and you can’t get better credentials than that, whilst Stuart led Wales extremely well in the last World Cup.
“We also have Scott Trigg-Turner and Mark Williams in the side, both of whom have captained Wales in the past, so we’re quite blessed with players with leadership qualities as we go into Saturday’s matches, which is needed as we have a young side, but they’re determined to win that trophy back.”
All games take place on Saturday 24th May at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Cyncoed Campus with tickets available in advance here: https://ticketpass.org/event/ECZYWW/celtic-cup-2025
Fixtures:
Wales v Scotland – Kick Off 11am
Scotland v Ireland – Kick Off 1pm
Wales v Ireland – Kick Off 3pm
