GB Performance Programme Announces 2025 Long Squad Following Selection Camps and European Championships
The first few months of 2025 have been an exciting and formative period for the GB performance programme. With the long-term focus now fully on preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, the GB programme has taken critical steps forward through a series of intense selection camps and competitive opportunities.
strategic squad selection
Bringing together identified athletes from within the GB and Talent programmes, these camps and competitions provided opportunities for athletes to demonstrate not only their technical skills and tactical awareness, but also their attitude, teamwork, and adaptability under pressure. For the GB coaching staff, this provided a valuable window into the strengths and needs of each athlete, allowing for informed and strategic squad selection.
As a result, a 15-person squad has now been named, blending a solid core of experienced veterans with fresh, exciting new talent:
| Name | Classification | Club | GB Caps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Robinson | 3.5 | West Coast WRC | 127 |
| Tyler Walker | 3.5 | Cheltenham Tigers WRC | 23 |
| Oliver Wightman | 3.5 | Penrith Pumas/West Coast WRC | 5 |
| Faye West | 3.5 | Leicester Tigers WRC | 41 |
| Ollie Mangion | 3.0 | London WRC | 64 |
| Hannah Bucys | 3.0 | West Coast WRC | 5 |
| Kieran Flynn | 2.0 | West Coast WRC | 80 |
| David Ross | 2.0 | London WRC | 33 |
| Gavin Walker | 2.0 | Leicester Tigers WRC | 210 |
| Nick Cummins | 1.5 | London WRC | 149 |
| Harri Jenkins | 1.5 | West Coast WRC | 12 |
| Alex Smart | 1.0 | Cheltenham Tigers WRC | 0 |
| Muhammad Islam | 0.5 | West Coast WRC | 68 |
| Jonathan Coggan | 0.5 | London WRC | 284 |
| Jack Smith | 0.5 | North East Bulls WRC | 89 |
renewal and long-term success
The composition of the squad reflects the depth and progression of the Talent pathway within the UK. While many names on the list, such as Stuart Robinson, Gavin Walker, and Jonathan Coggan—are familiar to followers of the sport, the inclusion of newer athletes underscores the programme’s commitment to renewal and long-term success.
European Championships and Looking Ahead
The squad recently returned from the European Championships in The Hague, which took place at the end of April. Notably, four athletes made their European Championship debut, with two making their very first appearance for the GB team—an exciting milestone that speaks to the programme’s faith in emerging talent.
GB Lead Coaching Consultant Adam Scaturro praised the squad’s composition and effort:
“We’re incredibly proud of the work these athletes have put in over the last few months. The camps allowed us to really dig into what each player brings to the table—not just in terms of skill, but in character and work ethic. Seeing some of our debutants step up at the Europeans was a proud moment for the whole programme. The balance of experience and youth in this squad gives us a solid foundation heading into the next phase of our preparation.”
As the team now looks ahead, the focus remains on refining performance, building cohesion, and ensuring that the next generation of GB wheelchair rugby continues to thrive.
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