Billy Swainger has been named in England Wheelchair’s Performance squad for 2022, becoming Hull FC’s first-ever representative in an international wheelchair squad!
Swainger is one of just three new faces in England Wheelchair’s Performance Squad for 2022, as they continue their countdown to the home World Cup this autumn.
He has featured for Hull FC’s Wheelchair outfit for almost a decade, during which time he has helped co-captain the side all the way to the Betfred Wheelchair Super League.
It was after captaining the side to Championship Grand Final success over Bradford in 2019 that helped Hull reach the wheelchair division’s top flight.
The England squad will gather for training and development sessions in Leeds and Hull this weekend ahead of a Mid-Season International against France, the reigning world champions, in Manchester on Sunday June 19 – which will be shown live on Sky Sports.
England’s Head Coach Tom Coyd said: “This is the largest and most diverse squad selected since I have been involved, which is testament to the strength of the domestic Wheelchair Super League, the effort of the individual clubs and the investment of resources into the game.
“This group will bring the best out of each other as we work towards our first test of 2022 this coming June. The competition for places is as fierce as ever and bodes very well for the end of year.
“We’re delighted to bring in three brand new players. Billy Swainger has been plying his trade diligently for a number of years and his consistency for Hull FC has been recognised. Tom Martin has had a promising start to the season with Halifax Panthers, impressing in the recent Grand Final rematch versus Leeds Rhinos. Ash Archer is an exciting convert from Wheelchair Sprinting and Basketball, with raw talent and a willingness to learn. We are also pleased to welcome back Warrington’s Lenny Izzard who spent time in the National Performance Squad last season and has again been pulling the strings for his club side in 2022.”
England Wheelchair Performance Squad 2022:
Tom Halliwell – Leeds Rhinos
Billy Swainger – Hull FC
Tom Martin – Halifax Panthers
Ashley Archer – London Roosters
Lenny Izzard – Warrington Wolves
Adam Rigby – Wigan Warriors
Declan Roberts – Wigan Warriors
Josh Butler – Leeds Rhinos
Wayne Boardman – Halifax Panthers
Robert Hawkins – Halifax Panthers
Joe Coyd – London Roosters
Lewis King – London Roosters
James Simpson – Leeds Rhinos
Nathan Collins – Leeds Rhinos
Nathan Mulhall – Halifax Panthers
Sebastien Bechara – Catalans Dragons / Halifax Panthers
Jack Brown – Halifax Panthers / QLD WhRL Australia
Freya Levy – London Roosters
Martin Norris – Wigan Warriors
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