Gravesend Dynamite founder Jason Owen is hoping to make his competitive wheelchair rugby league England debut today (Thursday).
Head coach Tom Coyd has selected Owen for the squad to play Spain in Nantes, France.
Jason Owen has enjoyed plenty of success with Gravesend Dynamite. Picture: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com
“I’m absolutely honoured to be representing my country and playing rugby league against Spain,” enthused Owen.
“Eleven years ago, I went along to Medway Park to watch England versus France in the 2013 World Cup final – an exciting match that gave me my first taste of wheelchair rugby league, a sport I’d never heard of before that game.
“Now, just over a decade later, I’ll be playing alongside some of the very players I admired as a spectator. I’m really excited after a lot of dedication and hard work. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive.”
Owen founded Gravesend Dynamite later that year and has been head coach ever since, helping Dynamite to four straight National Challenge Trophy finals and offering a new sport to Gravesham.
But he decided to balance the commitments of running a club with playing at a higher level two years ago. He then joined London Roosters, who play in the wheelchair rugby league Super League with the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Hull.
Owen added: “It’s taken determination, dedication and belief, plus support from my family to achieve this.
“That has all been reinforced by an incredible wrap-around set of background staff within the England camp who have helped drive myself forward.
“I think wheelchair rugby league is the best sport in the world right now and England are the best team in this sport.
“Anyone can give it a try – it’s exciting to watch and it’s exciting to play.”
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