Sheffield Eagles' Chris Haynes Excited For England Debut

Sheffield Eagles’ Chris Haynes has been named in the England Rugby League Wheelchair’s 9-player team to take on Spain in Nantes, on Thursday 21st November.

The match against Spain is the first of a double header for the England Rugby League Wheelchair team, as they also take on France, just two days later, in Saint-Lo this Saturday.

On being selected to make his England debut, Chris Haynes said: “I don't think it's quite hit me yet, but I'm sure it will after the game on Thursday.”

“It's definitely an achievement to be proud of, and the focus is just on enjoying the experience.”

Haynes has been awarded his England debut after a spectacular season with the Sheffield Eagles Wheelchair side which saw them crowned the 2024 Championship Grand Final Champions.

The Eagles also claimed the Championship East League Leaders title after a clean sweep of victories against group opponents York Knights, Bradford Bulls and Hull KR.

On how the Eagles’ successful 2024 season has improved his playing, Haynes said: “It's been great to take confidence from the performances we had over the season with Sheffield, and to build on them by taking it to the next level.”

Haynes’ individual success whilst playing for the Eagles didn’t go unnoticed as he was awarded the accolade of Championship Player of the Year after his side’s Grand Final victory.
He was also named Sheffield Eagles’ wheelchair Player of the Year for the second year running as he continues to improve and shine in their ‘wheelchair red’ side.

On how his individual success has helped his game for both Eagles and England, Haynes said: “The season was certainly a success; through the season we were able to work on our game, applying ourselves fully in training and games to create a blueprint for how we want to play.”

“Then towards the end of the season when we were pushed to the limit, this paid off and we were able to keep our composure in the tight knockout games.”

Haynes will be one of three debutants when England take on Spain with Jason Owen (London Roosters) and Tristan Norfolk (Hull FC) also being named in the team.

Haynes and the other two debutants were named in the July England Wheelchair Rugby League’s National Performance Squad (NPS) and will now finish their 2024 season on a high as they earn their first England Wheelchair cap.

On being in the England camp with both the World Cup winners and the debutants, Haynes said: “It has been an amazing opportunity to learn and develop with the help of the best players in the world.”

“The support of the whole group has been great, but the connection with those of us who played in the future of England games has been a real benefit coming into the squad.”

Spain vs England will take place at 4pm (GMT) on Thursday 21st November.

France vs England will take place at 4pm (GMT) on Saturday 23rd November.