Paul Shaw, aka “Tez”
An international wheelchair rugby career that has spanned over 30 years, both as a coach and an athlete. 2024 was the year Paul Shaw made the decision that the Paris Paralympics would be his last tournament, as he stepped away as Head coach with Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR).
We wanted to take a moment to reflect on his story.
Paul’s wheelchair rugby journey began after he sustained a spinal cord injury back in 1991 and the sport has remained a constant in his life for all these years. His first sessions were with his local team, the Birmingham Bandits and he soon was in love with the sport and realised not only the physical benefits of the game, but that wheelchair rugby offered him a community and purpose.
First selected to represent GB in 1995
First selected to represent GB in 1995 at the World Championships in Switzerland, Paul was a smart player and continued to work hard on and off court to be the best athlete. His Paralympic debut was at Sydney in 2000 where GB finished sixth. Throughout the years he remained a familiar face on the team and represented his country at both Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, where the team finished fourth on both occasions.
Retired as a player
Following the Beijing Paralympics, with 13 years playing at the international level, Paul decided it was his time to retire as a player and look at what was next for him. After a short break he realised he wasn’t ready to leave the sport that had given him so much and in late 2009 he began his coaching career, working with a new club in Southport, West Coast, helping them develop into one of the top teams in Britain.
Ireland Coach
His first international coaching role was with the Irish national team, Paul coached them for nearly two years as they prepared for the European Championships in 2011. Later that same year he started coaching the GBWR development team, where he was responsible for identifying and nurturing new talent – many of whom have gone on to represent GB.
Post London 2012 Paralympics, Paul was appointed Head Coach of the GB team. It was an exciting and challenging time for the sport with a period of evolution both in terms of public recognition, organisational growth and competitive structure. Paul wasn’t fazed by this and embraced the role.
Over a decade
For over a decade, Paul Shaw steered the GBWR team through some of its most challenging and triumphant moments. His first major medal with the team was gold in the European championships in 2015, with further gold medals in 2017 and 2019.
Paralympic Gold
His greatest accomplishment with the team came at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, a tournament that will forever be remembered. GBWR lost their UK Sport funding for the Tokyo cycle which led to financial challenges, but Paul remained dedicated and volunteered his time as the head coach, supported by his assistants Rob and Darren. Always looking at creative ways to stretch the team and continually striving for high standards. Under Paul’s guidance, Great Britain claimed its first-ever Paralympic gold in wheelchair rugby, a monumental achievement. It was not only the nation’s first Paralympic medal in wheelchair rugby but also a Europeans team first. That triumph inspired countless individuals, showing the world that a relentless work ethic, teamwork, and belief could overcome even the most formidable challenges.
Following the success in Tokyo, Paul received an MBE for his services to wheelchair rugby in the 2022 New Year Honours List.
However, Paul’s impact reaches beyond medals and trophies. His work has paved the way for future generations of athletes, ensuring that wheelchair rugby in Britain has a bright and sustainable future.
A few words from Paul:
“It’s only now that I can reflect on my career coaching GB.
In 2013 when I had the honour to be the GB Head Coach, never in a million years would I
have thought that I would be saying my farewells nearly 12 years later. Having been part of
the most successful GB teams in history and knowing that I made some small impact during
my tenure, fills me with great pride and satisfaction.
I have had the privilege to coach the best players in GB and have watched them grow into
great athletes and role models. This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of
their clubs, the wheelchair rugby community, family and friends. Thank you.
Thank you, Lee, D-Dubs, Jem, Barry, Lorraine and Justin and to all the practitioners, that played their part in GB’s success.
Thank you to the board, who always supported me.
Thank you to David Pond, Heather & Roger Alwen who made a huge impact on my life and
the tireless work they put in after Rio should never be forgotten.
Darren & Rob, you came in when we had just lost our funding, What a ride eh? Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you did for me and GB.
I want to thank Adam for his help over the last 2 years and wish him every success in the
future.
The privilege of being GB Head Coach has given me a life I could never have imagined. The
places I have been and the people I have met, I will cherish forever.
Time for me to sit back and enjoy watching the team prepare for LA28 and beyond.”
As we celebrate Paul Shaw’s monumental contributions, it is filled with gratitude. His time as head coach has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by success, growth, and unwavering dedication. While his departure marks the end of an era, his legacy will continue to inspire.
Thank you, Paul, for everything you’ve given to the sport, to Great Britain, and to the countless lives you’ve touched along the way. Best wishes for the next chapter in your journey.
his legacy will continue to inspire
