The President of the Mark Benevolent Fund (M.B.F.), R.W.Bro. Archie Torrance, is proud to announce
a major donation of £1.7 million to support Wheelchair Rugby Clubs across Great Britain. This
significant grant reflects the Fund’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion and providing
opportunities for athletes with disabilities, with a particular focus on the next generation of wheelchair
rugby players aiming for the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
Following the inspiring successes of the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) team, which has
captivated sports fans worldwide, the M.B.F. Board of Trustees has set its sights on ensuring the
sustained growth and future achievements of this dynamic sport. The donation is strategically aimed at
enhancing local club–level participation while also investing in the national team’s preparation for future
Paralympic glory.
The M.B.F. has a proud history of supporting individual wheelchair rugby clubs, including notable
contributions to Newcastle Wheelchair Rugby Club and London Wheelchair Rugby Club. In
recognition of the sport’s rising profile and potential to change lives, M.B.F. now wishes to extend its
support across the entire country, providing registered wheelchair rugby clubs in Great Britain with the
resources needed to expand their programs and elevate their athletes.
One of the core components of this donation is the provision of custom–fitted, specially designed sports
wheelchairs. These wheelchairs have already proven to be game–changing for athletes, as demonstrated
by the London Wheelchair Rugby Club, where four members have secured selection for the GB
National Wheelchair Rugby Team, representing the ParalympicsGB at the 2024 Paralympic Games in
Paris.
This new initiative has invited all registered wheelchair rugby clubs to submit applications for grants
of up to £50,000, which can be used for capital expenditures such as wheelchairs, sports kits, vehicles,
and facility improvements. Grants will not cover operational costs, travel, or accommodation expenses.
The Great Britain National Wheelchair Rugby Team will also receive a grant of up to £30,000 to assist
with preparations for the 2028 Paralympic Games.
“We are thrilled to support wheelchair rugby at both the grassroots and national levels,” said the M.B.F.
Board of Trustees. “We have seen firsthand the incredible impact this sport has on the lives of athletes
with disabilities, and we believe this Grant will create even more opportunities for participation,
competition, and success.”
With the support of this generous grant, wheelchair rugby clubs across the UK will be better equipped
to nurture talent, enhance their programs, and build a legacy of excellence in the years leading up to the
Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
More detailed information to follow over the coming weeks.
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby is pleased to announce a four-year partnership with Dynamik, the UK’s leading provider of sports flooring and walling solutions. This collaboration aims to support the development of wheelchair rugby across the country by addressing the floor servicing needs of clubs and members. Through this partnership, Dynamik will leverage its expertise to support the maintenance of playing environments, and provide support to members and facilities with appropriate cleaning solutions. Both organisations look forward to the positive impact this partnership will have on the growth and success of the sport.
Thanks to TWT for bringing this partnership together.
“We are pleased to announce LMAX Group as one of our 28 for 28 partners. The new partnership supports our goal of transforming wheelchair rugby on the road to the L.A 2028 Paralympics. We look forward to working with LMAX Group to support its goals drive positive social impact, improve accessibility and create a legacy for all.” – Jason Brisbane CEO.
We caught up with Aidan Alberico, Senior Corporate Responsibility Partner at LMAX Group to understand why they chose to partner with GBWR and what they hope to achieve…
“LMAX Group is a global financial technology company and the leading independent operator of multiple institutional execution venues for FX and digital assets trading. The Group builds and runs its own high performance, ultra-low latency exchange infrastructure, which includes matching engines in London, New York, Tokyo and Singapore.”
“It is our duty as members of society to support and drive positive social impact. By doing so, we hope to address some of the most pressing sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion challenges.
“As an organisation, we are focused on our mission of building fairer markets. We continually work towards this mission and in line with our values recognise that sustainability, inclusion and diversity in all forms make us stronger as a team and as a business. We are actively investing in positively impacting both people and planet and do this by establishing independent internal functions and forging external partnerships, like 28 for 28, to help us address societal and environmental challenges, improve accessibility and create a legacy for all.”
“We hope to work alongside Great British Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) in leading, promoting and growing the vibrant and inclusive wheelchair rugby communities. Partnering with GBWR, a world-class sporting organisation, to support its vision to set the standard in participation, elite performance and promotion in disability support.”
“The energy, intensity and excitement of the game. Wheelchair rugby is an action-packed game involving speed, full chair contact, hard hits, skills and physical determination, making it thrilling to watch as well as to play. It is also one of the few sports where both men and women can compete on the same team. It’s quite an exhilarating experience for all!”
You can get involved in all the action by following @gbwheelchairrugby on all social media platforms and watch the team live at the Paralympics on Channel 4. GB will go into the games as defending champions with their opening game on the 29th August at 10.30am BST.
For more information on LMAX Group please visit: LMAX
The RFU Injured Players Foundation (IPF), England Rugby’s Official Charity, which supports players who have sustained a catastrophic spinal cord or acute severe traumatic brain injury whilst playing rugby union in England, is pleased to announce today, a formal partnership with Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR).
The partnership, which forms part of GBWR’s innovative 28 for 28 fundraising initiative, aimed at bringing 28 partners together to support the team on their journey to the LA28 Paralympic Games will see the two organisations collaborating on a number of areas. These include creating engaging content and providing new opportunities for IPF beneficiaries and wider audiences to get active and showcase the power of sport on an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. There will also be occasions for beneficiaries of both organisations to benefit from shared assets, such as webinars and bespoke events.
Karen Hood, IPF Director commented: “We are excited to be working with GBWR on this partnership as part of their 28 for 28 initiative which aims to break down barriers and deliver opportunities for those with a disability, whilst simultaneously enabling more people to access the sport. The collaboration presents a number of opportunities which both organisations can leverage to raise awareness of the essential role that we both play for our respective beneficiaries and audiences.
“I’m looking forward to working with the team at GBWR to broaden awareness of the work we do with an engaged audience and to introduce new people to the IPF.”
The IPF provides responsive and effective immediate support in hospital to players, their families and clubs involved, including relevant emotional support immediately after they have sustained a life-changing injury, which still remains a rare occurrence in England. This support then extends to the days, months and years after the incident, including for life, where required, to enable every player to live the life they wish to lead. The support offered ranges from working with the player’s medical teams to ensure access to the care that is needed, for example, funding a recommended physio when there isn’t an NHS specialist in their area or in the event of long waiting lists. The charity also supports with home adaptations or even providing a new home in certain situations.
The charity also encourages and supports players back into work or education with 76% of their beneficiaries employed or in voluntary roles or education – compared to a national average employment rate of 37% for those with spinal cord injuries. They also focus on encouraging their clients to take part in activities to be able to live life to the full.
Chief Executive of GBWR, Jason Brisbane added: “I’m delighted we are in a position to formally announce our partnership with the IPF through our 28 for 28 initiative on our journey to the LA28 Paralympic Games.
“As an organisation we have made great strides and seen much success in recent times across both the elite and grassroots aspects of the game leading to partnerships such as this one.
“I am looking forward to combining our expertise with that of the IPF’s to bring more opportunities to both organisations.
“With two IPF players, Jack Smith and Kieran Flynn named in our squad for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris, we are excited to work together to showcase the Paralympic experience for both athletes and the wider team as we aim to defend our title from Tokyo 2020.”
The two organisations will launch a joint content series aimed to encourage those in wheelchairs or who live sedentary lifestyles to get active. They’ll also explore the benefits of sport by talking to amateur, elite and professional athletes about the impact being involved in sport has had on their life.
On Saturday July 13th the 3rd Welsh Wheelchair Rugby Open Tournament took place at Swansea Bay Sports Park, Sketty Lane in Swansea. The event was sponsored by Disability Sport Wales and was part of a Para Sport Festival.
5 teams competed for the trophy. Each team played 4 games in a round robin tournament. There were some close games. The opening game between local rivals Ospreys and Dragons was close. Despite Ospreys building a significant lead 12 – 8 @ half time the Dragons dug deep to pull the game back and eventually win 23 – 21. Endeavour entered their 1st Welsh Open and played in a very exciting game against Gladiators for 4th and 5th position. Gladiators finally victorious 23 -22. Gladiators finished a respectable 4th with the help of Northampton Saints star Gary Callier. The most exciting game of the tournament was the decider between Dragons and Leicester Tiger Swifts. The 1st half was close ending 14 – 14. In the 2nd half Leicester began to pull away and developed a 4-point lead 24 – 20. An impressive comeback from Dragons levelled the scores at full-time 26 -26. 3 minutes of extra time then ensued. Dragons had multiple chances to close the game to win but Leicester by the skin of their teeth managed to equalise with seconds left 29 -29. A 2nd extra time Golden Goal started, Dragons won the tip, advanced to the front court and were within metres of scoring and winning. The ball was turned over and Leicester scored the winning try. What a game!
1. Ospreys 21 – Dragons 23
2. Leicester 22 – Gladiators 16
3. Endeavour 13 – Ospreys 17
4. Endeavour 8 – Leicester 21
5. Gladiators 16 – Ospreys 27
6. Gladiators 16 – Dragons 21
7. Leicester 30 – Dragons 29
8. Gladiators 23 – Endeavour 22
9. Ospreys 13 – Leicester 21
10. Dragons 24 – Endeavour 18
Welsh Open champions 2024 were Leicester Swifts with the final placings below:
1. Leicester Swifts
2. Newport Dragons
3. Ospreys
4. Taunton Gladiators
5. Endeavour Punishers
MVP’s for the tournament voted by their peers and well deserved:
1. Alfie Vaughan
2. Claire Blackburn
3. Craig Godsall
Thank you to all the players, coaches, volunteers, and officials who took part and made the event a success.
With an international wheelchair rugby career that began in 2015, today Ryan Cowling officially retires from international competition. At 48, he has been a consistent member of the GB team over the last nine years, the obvious highlight was his significant role in winning the nation’s first Paralympic medal in wheelchair rugby at the Tokyo Paralympics.
Ryan’s journey in wheelchair rugby is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to be the best he can be for his team. Having developed a deep understanding of the game, he is a player who holds a lot of tactical knowledge and has worked closely with the coaches over the last few years. He retires from international competition with a decorated career.
– Paralympic Gold Medal (2021)
– Represented GB at Two Paralympic Games (2016, 2021)
– Two European Championship Gold Medals (2019, 2017)
– One European Championship Silver Medal (2022)
– Two World Championships
– Two World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge Tournaments
Ryan is a former serviceman who sustained a spinal injury whilst away on army training. He started playing rugby for West Coast Wheelchair Rugby club in 2009 and was selected to be part the GB development team in 2014. He made his GB international debut at the Rio Test event in February 2016, and later that year he returned to Rio for the Paralympics, where he was part of the GB team and made his Paralympic debut.
Following his 2016 debut he has been a regular face on the GB team and retires with 129 caps.
GB Head Coach Paul Shaw:
GB Captain Gavin Walker:
While he is retiring from the international game, Ryan’s passion for the sport remains undiminished, and he intends to stay involved in wheelchair rugby. He will be coaching at his club West Coast, alongside former GB teammate Ayaz Bhuta.
Ryan Cowling:
From everyone at GBWR, we want to thank Ryan for all he has done for the sport and our organization over the years. We wish him all the success in his future endeavours.
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