Leicester Tigers Swifts Snatch Last-Gasp Victory in Division 2 Opener
Leicester Tigers Swifts edge London Crusaders in dramatic final at Kettering Arena
The 2026/27 Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby Division 2 season got underway at Kettering Arena as eight teams returned to competition for the opening tournament of the campaign.
As GB Wheelchair Rugby’s largest division, Division 2 continues to play an important role in the development of the sport, providing opportunities for emerging athletes, developing clubs and players looking to progress towards Division 1.
Across two days of competition, eight teams took to the court as the new domestic season got underway at Kettering Arena.
Group Stage Action
Saturday’s group stages produced plenty of competitive wheelchair rugby across both courts.
Leicester Tigers Swifts topped Group A, recording victories over Stoke Mandeville Maulers, Ospreys WRC and West Coast Burn to secure their place in the semi-finals. West Coast Burn also progressed after wins against Ospreys WRC and Stoke Mandeville Maulers.
In Group B, London Crusaders went unbeaten with victories over North East Udders, Berkshire Banshees and Cheltenham Tigers Seconds. Cheltenham Tigers Seconds joined them in the semi-finals after wins over Berkshire Banshees and North East Udders.
The opening day also highlighted what makes Division 2 unique, with experienced players competing alongside emerging athletes, junior players developing through the pathway and several athletes entering competition through temporary classification.
Semi Finals
Sunday’s action began with the semi-finals.
Leicester Tigers Swifts booked their place in the final with a 58-33 victory over Cheltenham Tigers Seconds.
London Crusaders continued their impressive form with a 56-27 win over West Coast Burn, setting up a final between two teams that had impressed throughout the weekend.
A Final Worth Watching Again
The final provided a fitting end to the opening tournament of the season. Leicester Tigers Swifts eventually edged London Crusaders 42-41 in one of the closest matches of the weekend.
Crusaders V Swifts: Division 2 Final (with live commentary)
Watch here
London Crusaders led for much of the match and looked to be in control at several stages of the game. At one point they built a seven-point advantage and entered the final quarter four points ahead.
Leicester Tigers Swifts, however, kept themselves within touching distance and gradually worked their way back into the contest.
The match featured tactical battles, turnovers, physical contests and momentum swings, with neither team willing to give an inch.
As the clock ticked down, Leicester made a bold tactical move by deploying an all-female line-up featuring Nichola Charlton, Rhumbie Mulomo, Lauren Saphir and Kaitlyn Kaminski.
With London Crusaders reduced to two players on court after three players were serving time in the penalty box, Leicester continued to apply pressure and eventually levelled the score with just 1.2 seconds remaining.
That left time for one final play.
Luke Collier entered the court for the final play and Leicester executed the restart perfectly. Collier received the ball and crossed the line with just 0.2 seconds remaining to complete the comeback and secure a 42-41 victory for Leicester Tigers Swifts.
It was a remarkable finish to a final that demonstrated the quality, depth and competitiveness that now exists within Division 2.
“The final had a bit of everything. London Crusaders looked in control for long periods, but Leicester Tigers Swifts found a way back into the game. To see it decided with 0.2 seconds left on the clock was a fitting end to a very competitive weekend.”
Adam Simmons, Competitions Manager and Final Commentator
Final Standings
Leicester Tigers Swifts- London Crusaders
- Cheltenham Tigers Seconds
- West Coast Burn
- Berkshire Banshees
- Stoke Mandeville Maulers
- Ospreys WRC
- North East Udders
More Than Just Competition
While the action on court provided plenty of memorable moments, the opening tournament of the season also highlighted the community that sits at the heart of wheelchair rugby.
For many players, coaches, officials and volunteers, the weekend marked the first opportunity to reconnect after the summer break.
Heather, one of the event officials, treated the officiating team to homemade cakes, while Immy from London Crusaders brought cupcakes to share with the wider competition community.
Small gestures like these help create the welcoming atmosphere that makes domestic wheelchair rugby competitions special and keeps people returning year after year.
Watch the Action Back
The final between Leicester Tigers Swifts and London Crusaders was streamed live with commentary and is available to watch back on the GBWR YouTube channel.
Division 2 Final (with live commentary)
Watch here
All matches from Court 1 and Court 2 across both days were also streamed live and remain available on demand.
| Stream | Link |
|---|---|
| Saturday Court 1 | Watch here |
| Saturday Court 2 | Watch here |
| Sunday Court 1 | Watch here |
| Sunday Court 2 | Watch here |
Division 2 Tournament 1 showcased the depth of talent, competition and community that continues to drive wheelchair rugby forward across Great Britain, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Get Involved
Inspired by what you’ve seen?
Wheelchair rugby is open to people with a wide range of permanent physical disabilities, and there are opportunities to get involved as a player, volunteer, referee, coach or supporter.
Whether you’re looking for a new challenge, a new community or simply want to give the sport a try, there’s a club waiting to welcome you.
Find your nearest club and start your wheelchair rugby journey today
If you’d like to become a referee or table official, visit the link above or speak to a member of the GBWR workforce at a future competition.
