Wales' Boyd-Ward to make Wheelchair World Cup history

Published3 hours ago

Wales captain Jodie Boyd-Ward is to become the first player in Wheelchair Rugby League history to win 50 caps.

The Leeds Rhinos skipper will lead Wales in their World Cup fifth-place play-off semi-final against New Zealand in Wollongong on Monday (00:00 GMT).

Boyd-Ward will be winning her 21st Wales cap, having also played 22 times for England and seven times for Ireland.

Wales' top goal-scorer Andrew Higgins will hope to add to his tally of 158 goals as he joins leading try-scorer Stuart Williams (77) in winning a 40th Wales cap.

Meanwhile, father and son Martin and Matthew Turner will play together for the first time, a Wales landmark at a World Cup.

The match will also be the first between Wales and New Zealand in the wheelchair version of the sport.

Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup

30 October - 13 November

Wollongong, Australia

News and reports on the BBC Sport website

Sid Ramsey and Mark Williams earn recalls in the wake of Wales' 92-18 win against the United States, their first at the tournament.

"Jodie reaching 50 international caps is an absolutely incredible achievement," said Wales head coach Alan Caron.

"To be the first player in the world to reach that milestone in Wheelchair Rugby League, and the first female to do so, is something very special. She deserves enormous credit for everything she has contributed to the sport.

"It's also particularly pleasing to have Martin and Matthew together in the side; it's great that they'll finally get the chance to play alongside each other for Wales for the first time."

Wales line-up

Sid Ramsey, Fionn McCabe, Andrew Higgins, Jodie Boyd-Ward, Stuart Williams, Matthew Turner, Mark Williams, Martin Turner.

Reserves: Jonathan Gill, John Berriman.

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