Rigby to create officiating history at Wheelchair Celtic Cup

International Rugby League will break new ground at next weekend’s Wheelchair Rugby League Celtic Cup when former England international Adam Rigby becomes the first person to referee a wheelchair senior international from a wheelchair.

Rigby, part of England’s 2008 and 2021 Wheelchair World Cup winning squads, who recently announced his retirement from playing the international game, is a full-time wheelchair user after being born with Familial Spastic Diplegia - a condition which affects joint mobility reducing the ability to fully extend hips, knees and ankles.

The 2025 Wheelchair Celtic Cup will be played on May 24 at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Cyncoed Campus, with all three games between hosts Wales, Scotland and Ireland on the one day.

For Rigby, it marks the start of a new chapter in his long association with wheelchair rugby league.

“Having represented England at international level since 2007, I feel I’ve served my time well. I’ve had the honour playing in three World Cups and being part of two winning sides, and its been an incredible journey” Rigby said.

“I’m immensely proud of what I have achieved and grateful for every moment in an England shirt. While a lot of people in rugby league look to move into coaching after their playing careers it’s not a route that appeals to me personally.”

Rigby’s drive to start officiating came from a challenge by another match official during a game he was playing in:

“I first started officiating a few seasons ago during some friendly games at Wigan with our reserves and development team” he continued.

“But the real turning point came during a competition in Hull. I’d made a comment about a decision during a match, and one of the officials over heard me and said, ‘If you think you can do better, why don’t you do it?’ That challenge stuck with me. The very next day, I completed the wheelchair officiating course!”

“I’ve had the idea of officiating in the back of my mind for a while, but during our last international trip to France - playing against Spain - I had some great conversations with other officials, and that really encouraged me to lean further into it.

"Over the last season, I’ve taken up more and more appointments—not because I was planning to retire then, but because of my love for the game and the desire to stay involved and give something back.”

Although Rigby’s appointments are the first for a wheelchair user in the international game, the domestic game in the UK has seen several officials using a wheelchair to take charge of games and Rigby offers an insight into the differences for those who do so compared to those not using a chair;

“The most obvious difference is the height and the perspective that comes with that," he explained. "As a wheelchair user, I’ve had to adapt my positioning compared to non-wheelchair using officials, especially when it comes to getting the right angles on the goal line. It’s not just about being in the right place but seeing the game from a workable viewpoint”

And he identifies an advantage he may have over some of his officiating counterparts;

“Having played the game myself, I bring a different kind of insight - particularly around the ‘dark arts’ players might try to get away with! I’ve found I can share those experiences with other officials and help build a better overall understanding of the game’s nuances.”

With wheelchair rugby league promoting itself as the most inclusive team sport on earth, Rigby is keen to stress that the officiating side of the game is equally inclusive.

“I haven’t come across any major barriers to being a match official within the wheelchair game” he said. “Just like playing, everyone has their own physical limitations and its about finding the level that suits you best.

"I believe there is a place for everyone in Rugby League and my message to other wheelchair users thinking about officiating would be to simply give it a go! There’s a whole new side of the game to experience and it’s a brilliant way to stay involved and make a real impact.”

Despite boasting an array of playing honours to his name, Rigby is still quite surprised his next international call.

“I was a bit shocked when I found out about the appointment to the Celtic Cup, especially considering how long some of the other officials have been involved in the game” he admitted.

“But I’ve been putting in the work, squeezing in as many officiating opportunities as I could around my playing commitments, so it’s a proud moment to see that effort recognised. I’m expecting the games to be fast, intense, and full of quality—and I can’t wait to be a part of it from the other side with the whistle!”

Also appointed to the event is former Wales wheelchair international Harry Jones, who made his international debut in 2014.

“Last year I made the decision to step away from playing and I definitely missed the Celtic Cup” said Jones. “To be invited to this year’s event as a Match Official was truly special.

"It is fantastic to be back involved in the international scene, especially with the tournament taking place in Wales and being part of the team for the tournament is a great honour and privilege."

Rigby and Jones will be joined in the squad by one of the wheelchair game’s most experience match officials, Matthew Ball, and Jake Brook, who made his international debut at the 2024 Celtic Cup in Ireland.

All games take place on Saturday 24^th May at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Cyncoed Campus with tickets available in advance here: https://ticketpass.org/event/ECZYWW/celtic-cup-2025

Fixtures and match official appointments

Wales v Scotland - 11:00 Kick Off

Lead Referee Adam Rigby (RFL)
Referee Jake Brook (RFL)
In Goal Matt Ball (RFL)
In Goal Harry Jones (WRL)

Scotland v Ireland - 13:00 Kick Off

Lead Referee Matt Ball (RFL)
Referee Harry Jones (WRL)
In Goal Jake Brook (RFL)
In Goal Adam Rigby (RFL)

Wales v Ireland - 15:00 Kick Off

Lead Referee Jake Brook (RFL)
Referee Matt Ball (RFL)
In Goal Adam Rigby  (RFL)
In Goal Harry Jones (WRL)