Nederlandse Rugby League Bond Sets Long-Term Vision for Elite Wheelchair Rugby League Programme

The Nederlandse Rugby League Bond (NRLB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Dyson as Head Coach of the Netherlands Wheelchair Rugby League (WhRL) programme, alongside Martin van Hinte, who joins the national set-up as Assistant Coach.

Dyson brings extensive experience from the English Wheelchair Rugby League system. He previously led Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair to a national title and is currently Head Coach of Wakefield Trinity Wheelchair. He is widely respected for his environment-first coaching philosophy, which prioritises athlete development, inclusive culture, and sustainable growth as the foundation for future performance.

Martin van Hinte

Speaking on his appointment, Dyson added:

“Our priority is to build a high-quality national environment where athletes can develop, learn, and perform at their best. We’re not trying to rush a domestic competition or replicate what already exists in wheelchair sport in the Netherlands. If we get the environment right and support players properly, the outcome we’re working towards is clear - giving the Netherlands the opportunity to be represented on the world stage, including at a future Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup.”

Van Hinte, the current Head Coach of the Netherlands Wheelchair Rugby team, brings significant experience from elite international disability sport. As Assistant Coach, he will support the programme through athlete management, training standards, and high-performance culture, working alongside Dyson while respecting the clear technical and structural differences between Wheelchair Rugby League and Wheelchair Rugby.

Jim Dyson

The NRLB is clear that the development of Wheelchair Rugby League in the Netherlands is intended to complement, not compete with, existing wheelchair sports. There is no immediate plan to establish clubs or a domestic competition, and no intention to overlap with established Wheelchair Rugby or Wheelchair Basketball pathways.

Instead, the focus is on creating a national, elite performance environment, providing athletes with a professionally supported opportunity to engage with Wheelchair Rugby League at international level. This approach allows the sport to grow responsibly while adding value to the wider wheelchair sport landscape.

The NRLB also welcomes the interest shown by several Team NL Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Basketball athletes, who have expressed a desire to explore Wheelchair Rugby League alongside their existing sporting commitments. Their involvement reflects the accessibility of the sport and the potential of the programme to attract high-quality athletes from across the Dutch wheelchair sport community.

Craig Shepherd, President of the NRLB, commented:

“This is a long-term project built on collaboration, clarity, and respect for existing pathways. Jim and Martin bring the right balance of Wheelchair Rugby League expertise and high-performance experience to create an environment where athletes - and the sport itself - can grow sustainably.”

The Nederlandse Rugby League Bond believes this programme represents an important step towards the long-term ambition of seeing the Netherlands represented in international Wheelchair Rugby League competition, including at a future World Cup.