MARK Roughsedge helped to steer the England Rugby League wheelchair team into the world cup final against hosts France in Perpignan.

But the team suffered heartbreak at the death, losing by four points.

The former Sir Thomas Boteler High School and Warrington Collegiate student, an ardent Warrington Wolves supporter too, is joint head coach of a national team that knocked Australia out in the semi finals in Toulouse on Wednesday night.

England had defeated Australia and Wales in group games after losing their opener to holders France in what is the sport's third wheelchair world cup.

Roughsedge said: "I'm really pleased for the team that we have reached the World Cup Final.

"We've had a bit of a bumpy ride to get here, but the team have trusted our processes during the tournament and have got better game by game.

"Over the last four years, we have worked incredibly hard in preparation for this World Cup."

England defeated France in the European Championship Final two years ago, when Roughsedge was also part of the coaching set-up.

He now lives in Rainham, Medway, Kent, where he has held several positions in sport.

The former Medway and Kent rugby league development officer at the Rugby Football League and Medway Dragons head coach is now a doorstep sport advisor and tutor at StreetGamesUK Ltd.

Martyn Coyd MBE, who is Wheelchair Rugby League chairman, also has a Warrington background and is on record in praising Roughsedge's work, highlighting his skill, enthusiasm, ability to inspire people and an incredible work ethic.

"He is totally dedicated to giving people a great experience in rugby league, whatever the product he is involved in at the time," said Coyd, a former Lymm Grammar, now Lymm High pupil, who was born in Stockton Heath and honoured in the Queen’s New Year’s list after playing a leading role in the development of wheelchair rugby league and also establishing rugby league as an official sport within the British Armed Forces.

In 2000 he moved to Kent and helped set up the Medway Dragons club in Gillingham where Roughsedge has played a huge role in developing rugby league too.

Being involved in the Rugby League Wheelchair World Cup means a lot to the sporting pioneer.

You can watch the world cup final between England and France by clicking HERE