Clive Richards Cup launched to create a new annual showcase for wheelchair rugby
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby is delighted to announce the launch of the Clive Richards Cup, a landmark new initiative that will introduce two major events to the wheelchair rugby calendar and help raise the profile of the sport beyond the Paralympic Games.
Made possible through the generous support of the Clive Richards Foundation, the Clive Richards Cup has been established to create new opportunities for players, increase visibility for wheelchair rugby and provide exciting new experiences for athletes and fans alike.
The initiative has been created in memory of Clive Richards and aligns closely with GBWR’s ambitions to grow participation, strengthen performance pathways and showcase wheelchair rugby to wider audiences across Great Britain.
For the first three years, the competition will be supported through foundation funding, with the long-term ambition of becoming a self-sustaining fixture within the wheelchair rugby calendar.
“Clive was a passionate believer in the power of sport to transform lives and create lasting opportunities,” said Peter Dines, Chair of the Clive Richards Foundation.
“We are immensely proud to honour his legacy by partnering with Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby. By providing this initial three-year funding, our goal is to help build a sustainable, premier platform that not only showcases these exceptional athletes but accelerates the growth of the sport across the country.”
To find out more about the work of the Clive Richards Foundation, visit www.cliverichardsfoundation.com.
Two events. One vision.
The Clive Richards Cup will feature two distinct competitions designed to showcase the very best of wheelchair rugby in Great Britain.
Paralympic wheelchair rugby all-star competition
The first event will take place in the Midlands on 18-19 September 2027 and will focus on the Paralympic discipline of wheelchair rugby.
Designed to deliver highly competitive and entertaining matches, the competition will bring together some of the best players in the country in a unique all-star format. Rather than representing clubs or regions, athletes will be selected into specially balanced teams, creating an exciting showcase of elite wheelchair rugby talent.
The event will provide players with a new aspirational competition while giving spectators the opportunity to see many of the sport’s top athletes competing alongside and against each other.
International WR5s comes to London
The second event will take place in London on 24-25 September 2027 and will showcase Wheelchair Rugby Fives (WR5s).
The competition will be the first GBWR-sanctioned WR5s Home Nations event and marks an important milestone in the continued growth of the discipline.
Teams representing England, Scotland and Wales have already confirmed their participation, with additional international teams set to be announced in the coming months.
The event will officially establish an international representative pathway for WR5s across Great Britain and provide a new platform for athletes to compete at the highest level.
Details of the host venue will be announced shortly.
Driving participation and growth
The Clive Richards Cup is about more than competition.
The events have been designed to increase visibility for wheelchair rugby, create exciting new opportunities for athletes and inspire more people to get involved in the sport.
“Wheelchair rugby is a fantastic spectator sport that deserves a place in every sports fan’s annual calendar.
The Clive Richards Cup will allow us to showcase wheelchair rugby and creates a new aspirational pathway for our members to be a part of.
This new visibility and opportunity should be a fantastic driver for participation and retention in our sport.”
Jason Brisbane, Chief Executive Officer, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby
Looking ahead
Further details on the Clive Richards Cup, including competition formats, athlete selection processes, venue information and ticket details, will be announced later this year.
The introduction of the Clive Richards Cup represents an exciting new chapter for wheelchair rugby in Great Britain, creating new opportunities for players, increasing visibility for the sport and helping inspire the next generation of athletes.
Find your nearest club
For opportunities to partner across both or either these exciting events please contact the GBWR Partnerships Manager Mandip Sehmi at mandip.sehmi@gbwr.org.uk
