Wales name two father-and-son pairings in Wheelchair World Cup squad

Wales have named two father-and-son pairings in their 12-player squad for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia. According to BBC Sport's report on September 22, head coach Alan Caron has selected Martin and Matthew Turner alongside Gareth and Sid Ramsey, putting both families in line to represent Wales together at the tournament.

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The selection marks a first for Wales at this competition. Although a father and son have previously been involved together in the national set-up, no such pairing has represented Wales at a Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup. This is also the first time Wales have included two father-and-son combinations in one squad. Caron highlighted the unusual opportunity for the four players to share a World Cup campaign.

Gareth Ramsey is also among three players who could earn their first Wales appearances during the event. John Berriman and Fionn McCabe are the other potential debutants, with McCabe due to turn 16 shortly before the competition. Caron said the experienced members of the group would have an important role in supporting those players and the wider squad through the tournament.

The selection includes Stuart Williams, Jodie Boyd-Ward, Andrew Higgins, Lee Sargent, Jonathan Gill and Mark Williams alongside the two family pairings, McCabe and Berriman. Several players have links to North Wales Crusaders: Gill, McCabe and Martin Turner are listed with the club, while Stuart Williams and Matthew Turner have dual club affiliations involving the Crusaders. Gareth and Sid Ramsey both represent Sheffield Eagles, and Berriman is listed with York RLFC.

Wales will begin their group campaign against England on Friday, October 30, before facing Ireland on November 3 and the United States on November 6. All three fixtures will take place at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, with Wales seeking a place in the knockout stages.

The squad announcement comes while fundraising continues to help cover the cost of the trip to Australia. BBC Sport reported that donations had passed halfway towards a £10,000 target. The appeal is intended to assist with taking the selected squad to the World Cup.