SHAUN Briscoe will lead the newly formed England Physical Disability Rugby League team into the 2021 World Cup taking place on home soil.

The former England, Wigan, Hull, Hull KR and Widnes full-back, who held the position of partnerships manager at Warrington Wolves Foundation for five years, has today been unveiled as the national team's head coach.

Briscoe has been closely involved in the rapid development of PDRL since it was first played in this country by Warrington Wolves in 2018.

“When the job application came up, it was a no-brainer to see if I could get it,” said the 37-year-old O'Neills Irish International Sports Co. Ltd sales executive, who was an assistant coach for England Women on their tour of Papua New Guinea last year and is also The Wire's matchday pitchside announcer.

“To be involved with England is special. To be the first coach of England PDRL, and looking forward to a World Cup next year, means a lot – because of the journey I’ve been on with Warrington and all the elements of PDRL.

Warrington Guardian:

Shaun Briscoe, third from right, working with Warrington Wolves Foundation

“I’m in awe of the skills and courage of the players. To have the chance to play for England will mean the world to them – and the first PDRL World Cup is going to be a fantastic platform for PDRL next year.”

Former Woolston Rovers player John Welch will be a part of Briscoe's set-up overseeing England PDRL for a tournament that will be played solely in Warrington, with the majority of games expected to take place at Victoria Park Stadium in Latchford.

Marc Lovering, the RFL’s Director of Participation and Development, said: “We have run a thorough recruitment process to form this coaching team, and we're delighted by the quantity and quality of interest shown.

"Headed by Shaun Briscoe, who has such a genuine commitment to PDRL, it comes with a wealth of knowledge.

"As Shaun says, the opportunity to be involved with England will be a huge incentive for everyone in PDRL.”

Warrington Guardian:

Shaun Briscoe during his playing days. Picture: SWpix.com

The tournament will be hosted in Warrington from November 1, 2021, culminating with the final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium ahead of France versus Samoa in the final men’s group A match, on November 7, 2021.

The PDRL World Cup, which will run alongside the RLWC tournament, comprises of teams from five nations who will feature in a mini-tournament format. England will be joined by New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and Wales.

England PDRL coaching and management team:

Head Coach – Shaun Briscoe, Team Manager – John Welch, Assistant Coaches – Michelle Melling and Dan Roberts, Sports Rehabilitor – Jessica Law, Sports Therapist – Rebecca Adam, Kit & Logistics/Player Welfare – Pete Longbottom.