Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) has today announced the appointment of Jason Brisbane as Chief Executive Officer, who will take over the post from David Pond this summer.
The 38-year-old brings with him extensive experience across high performance and grassroots sport, most recently as Head of Community and Grassroots Development for NFL International in London.
Brisbane is a former professional linebacker who has played American Football for the San Diego Chargers (NFL) in the United States, professional clubs in Spain, Switzerland and Finland and for London Blitz in the UK.
Prior to his role with NFL International, Brisbane was the Deputy Head of School at Bolton Wanderers Institute of Sport and also holds a Board post on the Global Institute of Sport’s Industry Advisory Board.
He will take up his post on 1 July and have a transitional phase with David Pond. David will officially step down in September, having been at the helm of the sport for over 11 years and led its transformation to a professional National Governing Body which is home to 35 teams, and which partners with a number of public, charitable and commercial organisations.
GBWR Chair Ed Warner, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Jason Brisbane to GBWR as our new CEO. He will bring a fresh, engaging, insightful approach to the sport and the wheelchair rugby community will truly benefit from his experience in high performance sport and the work he has done at community and grassroots level.
“We ran a highly competitive recruitment process and the breadth and quality of applications demonstrates the high standing wheelchair rugby has in the UK. David Pond has been passionate about building strong wheelchair rugby communities and a competitive GB team. He will leave his post with the sport in fantastic strength with an army of committed players, coaches and volunteers.
“Jason is a very exciting individual and is the right person to lead the sport into the next era as we look at our long-term strategic development.”
Jason Brisbane said:
“I am delighted and feel a sense of real pride to have been appointed the new CEO of GB Wheelchair Rugby.
“The community involved in the sport has true dedication and passion and they believe the sport is much more than just a game.
“I am excited about the opportunity to meet clubs and players and continue to grow wheelchair rugby by driving participation, increasing awareness and supporting our elite team, with the ultimate goal of Paralympics medal success.”
Almost 1,000 people take part annually in wheelchair rugby in the UK. The GB team have won the past three European Championships and finished fifth at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The team is currently seeded fourth in the world rankings and has strong ambitions to medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games this summer.
