Women’s wheelchair rugby fives (WR5s) Competition Continues Momentum for Female Participation
The GBWR Women’s WR5s Competition brought together players from across Great Britain at the Alan Higgs Centre in Coventry on Saturday 7 November, showcasing the growing opportunities available for women and girls in wheelchair rugby.
With teams representing Leicester Tigresses, TEAM UK, Solent Sharks and Norfolk Knights, the competition provided athletes with valuable match experience in an environment focused on development, competition and progression within the sport.
As Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby continues to grow female participation, events such as this play an important role in providing more opportunities for women and girls to get involved, develop their skills and experience the excitement of competitive wheelchair rugby.
The day also highlighted the different reasons women are drawn to the sport. For some, wheelchair rugby offers a pathway into competition and high-performance sport. For others, it provides an opportunity to become more active, challenge themselves, build confidence and develop new friendships. Whatever their motivation, the competition demonstrated that there is a place within wheelchair rugby for women and girls of all ages and experience levels.
The growing presence of female players across Great Britain is a positive sign for the future of the sport, with established athletes, new participants and junior players all taking to the court throughout the day.
Group Stage Action
The tournament opened with one of the closest matches of the day as Leicester Tigresses edged TEAM UK 21-20.
Solent Sharks started strongly with a 19-12 victory over Norfolk Knights before Leicester Tigresses produced a dominant performance to defeat Solent Sharks 28-4.
TEAM UK responded with victories over Norfolk Knights (25-12) and Solent Sharks (28-12), while Leicester Tigresses completed a perfect group-stage campaign with a 30-4 win over Norfolk Knights.
The results saw Leicester Tigresses finish top of the standings with three wins from three matches, followed by TEAM UK, Solent Sharks and Norfolk Knights.
Group Stage Results
- Leicester Tigresses 21-20 TEAM UK
- Solent Sharks 19-12 Norfolk Knights
- Leicester Tigresses 28-4 Solent Sharks
- TEAM UK 25-12 Norfolk Knights
- TEAM UK 28-12 Solent Sharks
- Leicester Tigresses 30-4 Norfolk Knights
Finals Round
The final brought together the day’s two strongest performers as Leicester Tigresses faced TEAM UK for a second time.
Just as they had in the opening match, the two teams could only be separated by a single point, with Leicester Tigresses securing an 18-17 victory to claim the title.
In the third-place play-off, Solent Sharks overcame Norfolk Knights 15-9 to finish the competition in third position.
Finals Results
- Final: Leicester Tigresses 18-17 TEAM UK
- 3rd Place Play-Off: Solent Sharks 15-9 Norfolk Knights
Final Standings
- Leicester Tigresses
- TEAM UK
- Solent Sharks
- Norfolk Knights Wheelchair Rugby
Best in class and MVP
0.5 – Lauren Saphir
1.0 – Krissie Ransom
1.5- Bethany Fearn
2.0- Helena Hanvey
3.0 – Bethany Wild
4.0 – Bryony Pym
MVP – Nichola Charlton
Looking Ahead
The Women’s WR5s Competition was another positive step forward for female participation in wheelchair rugby. As more women and girls discover the sport through local clubs, development opportunities and competitions such as this, the foundations continue to grow for an even stronger women’s game in the years ahead.
Dedicated opportunities for women and girls are helping to create clearer pathways into the sport, while ensuring players can gain valuable competition experience and continue their development on court.
Coming Up
Women and Girls Opportunities Continue in 2027
The growth of women and girls’ wheelchair rugby will continue into 2027 with two exciting events designed to bring participants together, develop skills and create new opportunities within the sport.
GBWR Women’s & Girls Festival
9 January 2027 | St George’s Park
The first Women & Girls Festival of 2027 will bring together women and girls from across Great Britain for a day of learning, connection and wheelchair rugby development.
The event will include coaching sessions, workshops and opportunities to meet other players within the sport, creating an inclusive environment where participants can build confidence, develop skills and explore future opportunities in wheelchair rugby.
Whether attending for the first time or already involved in the game, the festival aims to help more women and girls discover what wheelchair rugby can offer.
GBWR Junior Nationals & Women and Girls Event
23 January 2027 | Kettering Arena
Later in the month, Kettering Arena will host the GBWR Junior Nationals alongside a dedicated Women and Girls event.
The day will celebrate the future of wheelchair rugby, bringing together junior athletes, female players, coaches and volunteers for a programme focused on competition, development and community.
By providing more opportunities to play, learn and connect, events such as these continue to strengthen the pathway for women and girls entering and progressing within wheelchair rugby.
Want to Give Wheelchair Rugby a Try?
Wheelchair rugby is open to people with permanent physical disabilities and offers opportunities for women and girls across Great Britain.
Whether you’re looking to compete, get active, develop new skills or be part of a team, there is a place for you in wheelchair rugby.
Find your nearest club and start your wheelchair rugby journey today.
#ThisGirlCan
