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World record attendance smashed in Wheelchair World Cup Final

The Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup Final was incredible for so many reasons.

Firstly, the exposure of the final live on BBC Two meant it was going to be given the limelight at prime time on a Friday night – attracting yet more new fans to this fantastic sport.

Then the match itself was nothing short of spectacular as England claimed a dramatic win in an epic encounter as captain Tom Halliwell split the French defence in the 78th minute to touch down and win the World Cup (England 28-24 France).

It sent the majority of fans at the Manchester Central Arena into raptures as France’s dominance in the international game came to an end to the delight of the home crowd – and a world record crowd at that.

In total 4,526 packed into the arena to watch the final, another new world record attendance for a wheelchair rugby league match in this Rugby League World Cup.

The number broke the record previously set in the opening game of the tournament when 3,033 were in attendance at the Copper Box Arena in London to see England defeat Australia.

It was always expected that figure would be broken in Manchester and so it proved, as the previous record was beaten by almost 1,500 on a memorable night for the sport.

The popularity of wheelchair rugby league has reached new heights in this World Cup and by the time France 2025 comes around, we may well see that number broken again.

For now though the glory and the records belong to England on arguably the greatest night of the Rugby League World Cup across all three competitions so far.

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