In 2022, the PDRL England Community Lions made history by winning the first-ever PDRL World Cup, securing a sensational 42–10 victory over New Zealand in the Final at Warrington.
Since that inaugural triumph, the PDRL England Community Lions have shown no signs of slowing down. They have maintained an impressive winning record, including a dominant 40–6 victory over Wales in 2024.
Preparations are now underway as the team look to defend their title at the next PDRL World Cup, scheduled to take place in Australia later this year.
Coined the ‘Road to Australia’, the journey will see players, coaches, volunteers, and communities unite with a shared goal: to raise vital funds that will help the squad make history once again.
Last June, Castleford Tigers star Nick Kennedy kickstarted his own fundraising campaign, ‘TRi/Y for England’. In a powerful display of determination, passion, and support for Physical Disability Rugby League, Nick has taken on an extraordinary endurance challenge. You can read more about Nick’s fundraising efforts here.
Importantly, the launch of the 2026 Disability Inclusion Strategy brings with it a significant scale of new fundraising opportunities. These efforts underpinning the World Cup journey reflect the collective commitment across the Rugby League community to ensuring that the chance to represent England on the international stage is accessible to all.
From contributing to fundraising initiatives to supporting your local PDRL teams throughout the season, the RFL encourages everyone who can to support the PDRL England Community Lions on their Road to Australia. For any enquiries, please contact Chris.Godfrey@rfl.co.uk
The RFL’s National Inclusion Manager Chris Godfrey, said:
“The Road to Australia is about so much more than preparing for a World Cup. The journey represents the power of inclusive sport to change lives. Our PDRL England Community Lions embody what our sport stands for: resilience, teamwork, and opportunity for all. The support from players, volunteers, and our wider Rugby League community ensures that every athlete has the chance to compete on the international stage, regardless of background or circumstance. We are incredibly proud of this squad
and the journey they are on, and we encourage everyone to get behind them as they look to defend their title in Australia.”
2026 England Community Lions squad:
Steve Bates, Leeds Rhinos
Chris Young, Leeds Rhinos
Tommy Pouncey, Leeds Rhinos
Sam Zeller, Leeds Rhinos
Scott Gobin, Leeds Rhinos
Corey Davies, Hull FC
Chris Cox, Wakefield Trinity
Connor Lynes, Hull KR
Adam Fleming, Wakefield Trinity
Ben Nicholson, Wakefield Trinity
Callum Parkinson, Wakefield Trinity
Nick Kennedy, Castleford Tigers
Aaron Atkin, Warrington Wolves
Chris Bibby, Wigan Warriors
Dan Bell, Leeds Rhinos
Darren Dean, Wakefield Trinity
Harvey Redmonds, Leeds Rhinos
Jamie Barnett, Warrington Wolves
John Clements, Wakefield Trinity
Nick Leigh, Leeds Rhinos