Wales are set to make history at Rugby League World Cup 2026 with two father-and-son pairings named for the trip to Wollongong.

Martin and Matthew Turner are set to represent their country, as will Gareth and Sid Ramsey - the first time a father and son have represented Wales together at a Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup and the first time that two such pairings have been named in one squad.

A father-and-son pair have featured in the Wales set-up previously, but never before on the World Cup stage.

Wales head coach Alan Caron announced the Turner and Ramsey father-son pairings in his 12-player squad for the World Cup, which will played in Australia alongside the Men's and Women's tournaments.

Sheffield Eagles' Gareth Ramsey is one of three potential Wales debutants, with John Berriman of York RLFC and Fionn McCabe of North Wales Crusaders also both uncapped. One of these players could become Wales' 50th wheelchair international, with the side having fielded 48 players since its inception in 2012.

Turning 16 just before the tournament starts, McCabe is set to be Wales' third-youngest senior international. Showing maturity beyond his age, he was top try scorer for Crusaders this season as they won silver in this year's RFL Wheelchair Championship, losing in the final.

The tournament could also see Jodie Boyd-Ward make wheelchair rugby league history, with the Leeds Rhinos' captain hoping to become the first wheelchair player to reach 50 international caps if she takes part in three matches in Australia. She comes into her fourth World Cup with 18 Wales caps, having previously won seven for Ireland and 22 for England.

Photo: Wales' Wheelchair team has launched a fundraising campaign to help cover training venue costs in Wales before the tournament, specialist wheelchair requirements, equipment and other essential expenses.

Mark Williams has the most Wales caps in the squad with 42 appearances. He is one of a few players in this Wales squad who played in both the Welsh and English leagues in 2026, with Williams helping South Wales Jets to win the WRL title and Wigan Warriors to Super League and RFL Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Caron, who played for Wales in the last three World Cups, is relishing the opportunity to coach his nation this time around.

"This is a squad we can be incredibly proud of," he said. "We've players with huge international experience alongside some exciting new talent, and everyone selected has earned the right to be here.

“Having two father-and-son combinations in the squad makes this World Cup particularly special. Gareth and Sid, and Martin and Matthew, have the opportunity to share something that very few players ever get to experience: representing Wales together at a World Cup.

“For John, Fionn and Gareth, the opportunity to make their Wales debuts at a World Cup would be something very special, while our experienced players will be vital in helping them and the rest of the squad through the tournament.

“We know the standard will be extremely high, but we're not going to Australia just to take part. We want to compete, we want to win games and, above everything, we want to make Wales proud.”

Wales, who kick off the World Cup against England on Friday 30 October, are guaranteed five matches at the tournament, as all eight sides qualify for either the semi-finals or ranking matches, with every match taking place at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. The final is on Friday 13 November.

Wales Wheelchair World Cup Squad:

Stuart Williams (Edinburgh Giants/North Wales Crusaders), Jodie Boyd-Ward (Leeds Rhinos), Andrew Higgins (Midlands Hurricanes), Lee Sargent (Midlands Hurricanes/Cardiff Blue Dragons), Jonathan Gill, Fionn McCabe, Martin Turner (all North Wales Crusaders), Gareth Ramsey, Sid Ramsey (both Sheffield Eagles), Matthew Turner (Wigan Warriors/North Wales Crusaders), Mark Williams (Wigan Warriors/South Wales Jets), John Berriman (York RLFC).

Wales Wheelchair World Cup group fixtures

Friday 30 October 2026 England v Wales (3.30pm local, 4.30am GMT)
Tuesday 3 November 2026 Ireland v Wales (4pm local, 5am GMT)
Friday 6 November 2026 Wales v USA (1.30pm local, 2.30am GMT)

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