In July 2009, it was announced that the 2013 Rugby League World Cup would be held in the United Kingdom.[4][a] The 2013 World Cup took place in October and November with the 2013 Festival of World Cups being held in July as part of the build-up to the main tournament. This was played at several venues in England and included world cups for armed forces, police, students, women, and wheelchair rugby league.[6]
The venue for the wheelchair competition, Medway Park Sports Centre in Gillingham, was built in the 1970s, but was part of a larger sports complex that had officially reopened in July 2011 following a £11million redevelopment.[7][8][9] It had hosted inaugural Fassolette-Kielty Trophy match between England and France in August 2012, with an estimated attendance of 700,[10] though the venue was reported to have a capacity of only 500.[11] The world cup was part of the Medway Festival of Sport which included more than 50 events taking place over a three-month period. [12]
Teams
A year before the tournament took place the teams had not been confirmed, but it was suggested that it "would include teams from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, New Zealand, Australia, England, France and, most surprisingly, Malta".[11][b] In February 2013, when the launch event for the Festival of World Cups took place, it was reported that five teams would take part in the wheelchair tournament.[7] A week later, when Australia first announced their squad, they listed six teams taking part: Australia, England, France, Malta, Scotland and Wales.[16] By April, when the draw for the competition was made, the six teams taking part included Ireland instead of Malta.[12]
The teams were divided into two groups and each played three matches in the group stage: one against each of the two teams in their group and one against a team from the other group. The top two in each group progressed to the semi-finals.[12]
Tries: Jack Brown (2), Wharton, Heggie (2), Greenhalgh, Harry Brown (7), Stevenson, Rigby Goals: Heggie (7), Stevenson (2), Rigby Drop goals: Harry Bown
↑ It was revealed in November 2011, that in addition to England and Wales there would also be matches played in Ireland and France.[5]
↑ Ireland, Scotland and Wales all launched their national teams in 2012.[13] Malta had not played any representative matches, but had a wheelchair rugby league championship played in a Merit League format.[14] New Zealand had been expected to compete at the 2008 World Cup, but withdrew before the tournament.[15]
1 2 Bonnet was called up as a replacement for Cyril Torres who was injured during the warm-up match against Australia, however, Torres played in the final.[17]
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England 
France (1st title)
Paul Craig (68) [1] 
