England's wheelchair team head into the Rugby league World Cup as defending champions; Luis Domingos is one of the players tasked with keeping hold of the title; He had not played the sport even two years ago but has used his basketball skills to help his rapid rise
Wednesday 28 October 2026 06:51, UK
Just 18 months ago, Luis Domingos had not played Wheelchair Rugby League and now he heads to Australia with the hope of defending a world title with England.
Despite picking up the sport not too long ago, it is not the first time that Domingos has made his mark on the international stage. Domingos used to represent Portugal in wheelchair basketball and was professional in the sport.
However, to finish his studies at university, he left wheelchair basketball. Then he attended a wheelchair rugby league training session and the rest, they say, is history.
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After an Ashes call-up, Domingos has continued his rapid ascent in the sport and now will represent England in the World Cup, achieving a dream that did not exist just two years ago. Domingos qualifies for England due to residency.
England's wheelchair rugby league team head down under looking to defend their title as the best in the world and they start with pool games against Wales, USA, and Ireland.
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"It is very exciting to have this opportunity, but I'm more excited to be with my family and team-mates. It is an exciting time to be selected," Domingos told Sky Sports.
"I used to play basketball professionally but I had to come back to finish university. I had the opportunity to attend rugby training and fell in love with it.
"From that day until now has been amazing. I think when you trust the process and have fun, things happen as a result.
"Winning, medals, everything is just a result of hard work and I love this sport. It has been surprising but good."
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Of course, England achieved the biggest success on this stage in a home World Cup in 2022, coming away as champions.
Domingos knows he is in an international side that is considered the best and wants to ensure that reputation continues.
"The team is amazing to be a part of. All I can bring is my personality, hard work, be there to support the guys," he added.
"I was fortunate to do basketball before, so all the skills are there. I just can't wait to give my best, that is all I can do.
"I know we won the last one and it would be easy to say we are defending but we are not defending, we are going there to win.
"That is the aim, to bring the trophy home."
