North East Bulls and Leicester Tigers finish level on points after opening tournament at Stoke Mandeville Stadium
The 2026/27 Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby Division 1 season got underway at Stoke Mandeville Stadium as five of Great Britain’s leading wheelchair rugby clubs came together for Tournament 1.
Featuring current and former Great Britain internationals, World Championship athletes and some of the country’s most experienced domestic players, Division 1 once again showcased wheelchair rugby at its highest level outside of international competition.
Across two days of action, spectators were treated to closely contested matches, physical defensive battles and impressive attacking play as teams began their pursuit of league points and championship ambitions.
Saturday Sets the Tone
The opening day immediately revealed how competitive Division 1 could be this season.
Leicester Tigers opened their campaign with a 56-45 victory over London Storm before following it up with a strong 59-46 win against Cheltenham Tigers.
West Coast Crash made an impressive start with a 57-38 victory over Cheltenham Tigers, while North East Bulls defeated London Storm 52-41 to register their first win of the season.
The closest match of the day saw North East Bulls edge past West Coast Crash 48-42 in a result that would prove significant for the standings.
Saturday concluded with Cheltenham Tigers securing a hard-fought 51-46 victory over London Storm to keep themselves firmly in contention.
Sunday Delivers More Drama
With valuable league points on the line, Sunday’s matches were played with even greater intensity.
North East Bulls produced one of the standout performances of the weekend, defeating Leicester Tigers 59-54 and handing the Tigers their only defeat of the tournament. The result ultimately ensured both teams would finish the weekend level on points.
West Coast Crash continued their strong campaign with a 60-48 victory over London Storm, while Cheltenham Tigers recorded an impressive 53-37 win against North East Bulls.
The final match of the weekend saw Leicester Tigers and West Coast Crash go head-to-head in a contest that lived up to expectations.
In one of the tournament’s most entertaining fixtures, Leicester Tigers secured a narrow 61-55 victory to ensure they would leave Stoke Mandeville level on points at the top of the standings alongside North East Bulls.
Standings After Tournament One
The opening weekend could scarcely have been closer, with Leicester Tigers and North East Bulls finishing level at the top of the table on 10 points after both teams recorded three victories from four matches.
North East Bulls finish Tournament 1 at the top of the standings after defeating Leicester Tigers head-to-head during the weekend. Both sides finished level on 10 points, underlining how closely contested Division 1 is likely to be this season.
West Coast Crash and Cheltenham Tigers remain firmly in contention after both secured two wins from their opening four fixtures, while London Storm showed plenty of promise despite finishing the weekend without a victory.
| Position | Team | Points | Points Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | North East Bulls | 10 | +6 |
| 2 | Leicester Tigers | 10 | +25 |
| 3 | West Coast Crash | 8 | +19 |
| 4 | Cheltenham Tigers | 8 | -11 |
| 5 | London Storm | 4 | -39 |
With Leicester Tigers and North East Bulls level at the top on 10 points, and just two points separating second and fourth place, the Division 1 title race is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent seasons.
Results
- Leicester Tigers 56-45 London Storm
- Leicester Tigers 59-46 Cheltenham Tiger
- North East Bulls 52-41 London Storm
- North East Bulls 48-42 West Coast Crash
- North East Bulls 59-54 Leicester Tigers
- West Coast Crash 60-48 London Storm
- Cheltenham Tigers 53-37 North East Bulls
- Leicester Tigers 61-55 West Coast Crash
International Quality on Display
Division 1 once again demonstrated the strength of wheelchair rugby in Great Britain, with internationals, World Championship athletes and emerging players all featuring throughout the weekend.
Supporters were able to watch experienced athletes competing alongside the next generation of talent, highlighting the strength of the domestic pathway and the quality of the competition.
The tournament also showcased the growing contribution of female athletes within the domestic game, with women playing key roles across several Division 1 squads throughout the weekend. Leicester Tigers were particularly impressive, fielding an all-female line-up that competed strongly throughout the tournament and ultimately finished level on points at the top of the standings.
More Than Just Competition
While the results on court attracted plenty of attention, the opening tournament also highlighted the community that sits at the heart of wheelchair rugby.
Players, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters travelled from across Great Britain to Stoke Mandeville Stadium, creating a welcoming environment while maintaining the competitive edge that makes Division 1 so exciting to watch.
As always, the event would not have been possible without the efforts of GBWR’s volunteer officials, competition workforce and supporters, who helped deliver a fantastic opening weekend for the 2026/27 season.
Looking Ahead
Tournament One has set the stage for what promises to be a fascinating Division 1 campaign.
With Leicester Tigers and North East Bulls currently inseparable at the top of the standings, and West Coast Crash and Cheltenham Tigers close behind, every result will matter as the season progresses.
If the opening weekend is any indication, supporters can look forward to plenty more drama, quality and excitement when Division 1 returns later this season.
Get Involved
Inspired by what you’ve seen?
Wheelchair rugby is open to people with a wide range of permanent physical disabilities and offers opportunities to get involved as a player, volunteer, official or supporter.
Whether you’re looking to compete, challenge yourself or become part of a welcoming community, there is a place for you in wheelchair rugby.
Find your nearest club and start your wheelchair rugby journey today.
