Luis Domingos arrived at wheelchair rugby league just 18 months ago, yet he now travels to Australia with England's squad hoping to defend their status as world champions. His rapid rise through the sport represents one of the most remarkable journeys in the team's recent history.
According to Sky Sports, Domingos brings a wealth of international experience despite his relative newcomer status in wheelchair rugby league. Before switching codes, he represented Portugal as a professional wheelchair basketball player, competing at the highest level of that sport.
Domingos stepped away from basketball to complete his university studies, but a chance attendance at a wheelchair rugby league training session changed the trajectory of his career entirely. According to the Rugby League International Federation, Domingos first played wheelchair basketball in 2016, discovered wheelchair rugby league in 2018, and had a season with Leeds Rhinos before returning to basketball. The sport captured his imagination immediately, and his development since then has been nothing short of meteoric.
Domingos qualifies to represent England through residency, and his selection follows an Ashes call-up that confirmed his rapid ascent. England's 10-player World Cup squad includes Domingos and Sheffield Eagles teammate Chris Haynes, with five squad members returning as World Cup winners. Before his World Cup selection, he scored the decisive try as Castleford Tigers won the 2025 Wheelchair Challenge Trophy, underlining his growing importance to his club.
England's campaign begins with pool matches against Wales, USA, and Ireland as they look to maintain their position atop the sport. The team claimed the biggest prize available on this stage when they won a home World Cup in 2022, becoming champions on their own soil.
It is very exciting to have this opportunity, but I'm more excited to be with my family and team-mates. It is an exciting time to be selected
Domingos told Sky Sports, reflecting on his selection for the tournament.
I used to play basketball professionally but I had to come back to finish university. I had the opportunity to attend rugby training and fell in love with it.
He continued, explaining the pivotal moment that redirected his sporting life.
From that day until now has been amazing. I think when you trust the process and have fun, things happen as a result.
The 25-year-old emphasised that success flows naturally from dedication and genuine passion for the game.
Winning, medals, everything is just a result of hard work and I love this sport. It has been surprising but good.
Domingos is acutely aware that he has joined an international side widely regarded as the strongest in wheelchair rugby league. His ambition is to help preserve that reputation and add another world title to England's collection.
The team is amazing to be a part of. All I can bring is my personality, hard work, be there to support the guys
he explained.
I was fortunate to do basketball before, so all the skills are there. I just can't wait to give my best, that is all I can do.
Domingos stressed that his previous sporting experience has equipped him with technical abilities that transfer directly to his new code.
I know we won the last one and it would be easy to say we are defending but we are not defending, we are going there to win.
He insisted that England's mindset is focused on claiming the trophy rather than merely holding onto it.
That is the aim, to bring the trophy home.
England's Pool Fixtures and Tournament Schedule
England's opening match comes against Wales on 30 October at 4:30am GMT at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong. The team then faces the USA on 3 November and Ireland on 6 November, with all three matches forming part of the group stage. The wheelchair World Cup final is scheduled for 13 November at 8:30am GMT, giving England the opportunity to add another chapter to their winning story.
