Declan Roberts retires from Wheelchair Rugby
Wigan Warriors can confirm Declan Roberts will retire from playing Wheelchair Rugby and will now take up an assistant coach role for the Betfred Wheelchair Super League side.
Roberts took up the sport in 2013 as a way to play sport with his father, former Wheelchair Head Coach, Phil Roberts and won the Wheelchair Grand Final in 2014.
Joining the Wigan Wheelchair side at its inception, Roberts amassed a huge haul of points in Cherry & White and was top points scorer in Wigan’s inaugural campaign. He was then selected for England’s RLWC2021 campaign, and was an interchange in the World Cup Final as England beat France 28-24 to become World Champions.
Roberts was a key part of the team who won the 2023 Wheelchair Super League Grand Final, scoring two tries and converting seven goals in the final, claiming Wigan’s first Wheelchair Super League trophy since forming.
In 2024, Roberts held a Coaching role with the Warriors Wheelchair Reserves side alongside playing, however, injury limited his appearances in the 2024 season. He has now made the decision to retire from his playing career and will take on the role of assistant coach for the Betfred Wheelchair Super League side.
On the decision, Roberts said: “There are a number of reasons I have decided to stop playing, and although it was a difficult decision, I am certain that it’s the right one.
“I started playing Wheelchair Rugby League over 10 years ago and have made some lifelong friends and have had some unforgettable experiences, namely winning a Grand Final for my hometown team, representing my country and winning a World Cup.”
He added: “I do, however, believe the time is now right for me to transition into a coaching role. I already assist with coaching our reserves team and I am looking forward to expanding on this as I step up to assist with coaching our Wheelchair Super League team.
“We have a great group of players throughout our entire squad, and I’m excited to continue to work alongside them in a different capacity.”
