The Stoke Mandeville Stadium will play host to the Lord’s Taverners Junior Wheelchair Rugby Championships, launching a new partnership between Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and the Lord’s Taverners. The tournament sees six teams going wheel-to-wheel in an action packed day of wheelchair rugby. Writes Nathaniel Holland.
This year, Saracens, Northampton Saints, Ospreys, Sale Sharks, Exeter Hawks and Team Solent Sharks will all compete for the title, with the final taking place at 16:15pm.
Both Sale and Northampton will be making their competition debuts with, Saracens, Ospreys and Solent joining 2x champions Exeter.
Each team will play each other once, followed by a play-off for 5th/6th, 3rd/4th and of course the final. Games will consist of two eight-minute periods with a rolling clock, taking a slightly different format to the adult game.
David Pond, GBWR CEO said: “GBWR is delighted to team up with the Lord’s Taverers who are a natural partner to take our junior programme to its next exciting phase in continuing to deliver sporting and development opportunities for young people.”
GBWR launched the junior programme in 2015 at the Copper Box Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; the event has gone from strength to strength with Exeter Hawks winning the 2015 and 2016 competitions.
Paul Robbin, Lord’s Taverners CEO added: “At the Lord’s Taverners we believe that sport and recreation are essential for all young people, regardless of ability or background. It is fantastic to now have this relationship with Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and help the organisation on their mission to lead, promote, grow and support wheelchair rugby for the enjoyment for all in England, Scotland and Wales.”
The event is free for spectators so come down and enjoy some family friendly fun at the Stoke Mandeville Stadium, Aylesbury with games from 11AM-5PM.
Full schedule can be downloaded here.
