The Year in Review
2024 was an exciting and action-packed year.
The year began with our Allied Mobility Premiership division in full swing. The season wrapped up early to give our GB players the opportunity to prepare thoroughly for the Paralympics, setting the tone for an exciting and action-packed year ahead.
28 for 28 Initiative
Shortly after, we launched the first of our “28 for 28” networking events. These gatherings brought together partners and stakeholders to hear directly from our members and the GB team about the importance of wheelchair rugby and its transformative impact. A special thanks to our friends at Ascot and RBC Brewin Dolphin for hosting these inspiring events.
Quad Nations
In the spring, we hosted the Quad Nations tournament at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff. This event featured an exceptional lineup of teams from the USA, France, and Japan, delivering a thrilling showcase of international wheelchair rugby talent.
WR5s
Our WR5s tournament carried us through the summer, marking a milestone in participation and competition standards. This year, we also trialed streaming our domestic competition, reaching an impressive audience of over 100,000 views on Facebook Live. The success of this initiative highlights the growing interest and engagement in wheelchair rugby.
Junior Wheelchair Rugby
Throughout the year, we expanded our revamped youth program, offering monthly junior sessions in both the north and south of the UK. These sessions were designed to maintain youth engagement, especially in areas without local team provisions, ensuring the next generation of players remains connected to the sport.
Our social media channels have also seen remarkable growth, achieving over 100 million views and amassing 20,000 followers. This growth reflects the increasing visibility and popularity of wheelchair rugby, allowing us to share more stories, achievements, and updates with a broader audience.
We successfully continued our I Can Play and Pathway to Podium campaigns, which have been instrumental in attracting new participants to the sport. These initiatives are vital to expanding the reach and inclusivity of wheelchair rugby across the UK.
£1.7 Million Funding for Clubs
A major highlight of the year came when we received incredible news about a transformative investment. The Mark Mason Hall committed £1.7 million in funding for capital equipment for all clubs through to 2028. This support is a game-changer for wheelchair rugby, and we extend our deepest gratitude to the Masons for their generosity.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics
We celebrated the incredible efforts of our GB team who achieved their first victory since 2004. While we didn’t return home with a medal the team can be proud that they played their best rugby of the cycle in what was arguably the closest competition of all time.
Paul Shaw Retires
Shortly after the games, we bid farewell to long-standing GB head coach Paul Shaw, who dedicated over 10 years to leading the squad. His remarkable contributions were celebrated in a special tribute, which you can read here: Paul Shaw’s Career Celebration.
WR5s National Tournament and Women’s Cup
This year saw the inaugural WR5s National Tournament, a key milestone in the development of this exciting format. Additionally, the Women’s Cup returned to Paris, where our GB team delivered a strong performance, proudly earning a bronze medal. This achievement highlights the growing strength and talent within women’s wheelchair rugby.
Corporate Engagement and New Partnerships
The first GBWR Tokio Marine Kiln Corporate Wheelchair Rugby Day was held at the Copper Box Arena, bringing together six Lloyds of London insurance brokers for a day of team building and education through wheelchair rugby. It was a fantastic event, and we are already looking forward to welcoming more businesses to experience the sport in 2025.
Year-End Highlights
We concluded the year on a high note with uplifting news from UK Sport, confirming funding for the GB program through to the LA 2028 Paralympics. This funding ensures we can continue to support our players and programs at the highest level for years to come.
The game of wheelchair rugby will look quite different in 2025. New rule changes coming into the game aim to make the game more exciting, and with additional on court points for female players above classifications 2.0 , the game will hopefully begin to become even more diverse.
Thank You
This has been another fantastic year for wheelchair rugby, and none of it would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our volunteers, players, coaches, officials, classifiers, and supporters. Your contributions enable our clubs and our sport to thrive, and we thank you for everything you do.
To our partners, thank you for your steadfast support of GBWR. Your contributions allow us to reach new heights, engage more people, and continue building the future of wheelchair rugby.
Here’s to an even more successful year ahead!
Jason Brisbane
CEO
GBWR
