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IRL announces key Classification appointments

International Rugby League is pleased to announce the appointments of Dr Spencer Kassimir and Mark Oxley to key Classification roles to support the continued growth of physical disability and wheelchair rugby league.

 

Both appointments bring extensive experience in rugby league, along with a deep understanding of classification, athlete support and the different formats of the game.

 

Dr Kassimir (in the photo above), who referees across all forms of rugby league and has served on the committee of NRL Wheelchair Victoria, takes on the role of IRL Head of Classification.

 

Mr Oxley, the long-time physiotherapist for England’s World Cup winning Wheelchair team, has been appointed as IRL Chief Classifier.

 

As the IRL Head of Classification, Dr Kassimir will oversee the development, implementation and integrity of the international classification system and is responsible for leading the development of Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL).

Dr Kassimir brings extensive experience across rugby league, disability sport, governance, officiating and international stakeholder management. He has served on the NRL Wheelchair Victoria committee and has refereed PDRL and wheelchair rugby league, as well as the NRL Vegas 9s in 2025 and 2026. In 2022, he received the NRL Victoria Referee Award.

Dr Spencer Kassimir said: “After officiating rugby league in so many formats including PDRL, wheelchair, and our men's, women's, and children's divisions, I am honoured for the IRL to have selected me for this role on the committee as this will allow me to continue to contribute to our game and those involved with it”.

Mr Oxley’s role as the IRL Chief Classifier is pivotal in safeguarding the integrity of the IRL classification framework and fair competition. He has more than 25 years’ experience as a physiotherapist across all levels and formats of rugby league, and has been England Wheelchair team’s physiotherapist since 2020, including the successful World Cup campaign in 2022.

Mark KnowlesPhoto: Mark Oxley has more than 25 years experience as a physiotherapist across all formats of the game. 
In 2021, he completed the International Rugby League Classification Training programme in York, gaining detailed knowledge of the IRL Classification Manual, classification processes and their role in ensuring fair and meaningful competition.
 
While Wheelchair Rugby League has remained outside the formal classification process, he has maintained a strong interest in both Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) and the development of international classification.
 
Mark Oxley said: “I am excited and honoured to be appointed to the position of IRL Chief Classifier and I am very much looking forward to getting started in the role. I have long admired Physical Disability Rugby League and hope to use my experience from working within the sport for 25 years to assist in the continued growth and development of the international game”.