Brogan Evans Makes Inspirational Switch to Wheelchair Rugby Ahead of Celtic Cup Debut
Wales rugby league international Brogan Evans has experienced a remarkable journey of resilience and reinvention. Once on the rise with Wigan Warriors in the Women’s Super League, Evans’ promising career faced an unexpected halt just a few games into the season when she suffered a severe knee injury.
After undergoing surgery to reconstruct her knee, further complications arose in her spine, leaving the 29-year-old forward with the sobering reality that returning to running rugby was “highly unlikely.”
“I was crushed. Rugby has been such a massive part of my life,” Evans said. “I spent a lot of time in hospital over the New Year, and I felt so lost. Then, I saw a poster about trying wheelchair rugby, and that changed everything.”
After only a couple of training sessions, Evans was invited into the Wales wheelchair rugby league camp. She is set to make her international wheelchair rugby debut in Saturday’s Celtic Cup, where Wales will take on reigning champions Ireland and Scotland at Cardiff Metropolitan University (11:00 BST).
Evans will become the first player to achieve the rare feat of winning a senior international cap in more than one major rugby league discipline. “It’s all happened so fast; it’s been a whirlwind,” Evans admitted. “I know rugby is the same in essence, but chair control is new to me. I’ve been training tirelessly, hiring sports halls two or three times a week. I don’t want to let my teammates down.”
Wales head coach Alan Caron praised Evans’ dedication. “Brogan’s work rate leading up to this tournament has been exceptional. She has put in extra sessions to master her chair skills and scored a well-worked try for Salford last weekend. Her ball skills are already top-class, and her previous accolades in the women’s game speak volumes about what she can achieve. She will seize this opportunity with both hands.”
The transition from running to wheelchair rugby has been emotionally intense for Evans. “During my first session, I shed a few tears. There’s the realisation that one day I might not be able to stand from the chair after a game, which is terrifying. But through this sport, I’ve met incredible people. One of my favourite teammates is paralysed and yet lives an inspiring, active life. His example gives me hope about my future.”
Evans’ ambitions remain high, with Wales already qualified for the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in Australia. She dreams of competing at the Paralympic Games “in one sport or another,” proving that adversity has not dimmed her competitive spirit.
The 10-player Welsh squad for the Celtic Cup features several experienced internationals alongside Evans. Jodie Boyd-Ward will captain the side and make history as the most-capped player in wheelchair rugby league, surpassing Welshman Harry Jones. “It’s an honour to lead Wales for the Celtic Cup,” Boyd-Ward said. “After taking some time off following an incredible US tour, I’m back and ready to contribute fully. Scotland and Ireland have developed their game, and I know it will be a competitive tournament.”
Joining Boyd-Ward in leadership is Stuart Williams, Wales’ 2022 World Cup captain and record try-scorer with 66 international tries, who returns to the side after missing last year’s matches.
The full Wales Celtic Cup squad includes: Lee Sargent (Cardiff Blue Dragons/Hereford Harriers), Jodie Boyd-Ward (Leeds Rhinos), Jess Booth, Jonathan Gill, Jakub Wasieczko, Stuart Williams (all North Wales Crusaders), Brogan Evans (North Wales Crusaders/Salford Red Devils), Alex Powell (Torfaen Tigers/Hereford Harriers), Scott Trigg-Turner, and Mark Williams (both Torfaen Tigers/Wigan Warriors).
Evans’ story is a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the unifying power of sport. From a career-threatening injury to breaking new ground in wheelchair rugby, her journey inspires athletes and fans alike, proving that passion and determination can redefine what it means to compete at the highest level.
