Leicester Tigers Crowned 2025 GBWR Premiership Champions After Epic Final Showdown
Stoke-on-Trent, 27 July 2025 – The final weekend of the 2025 GBWR Premiership delivered everything fans could hope for: fierce rivalries, tactical brilliance, and a dramatic finale that saw Leicester Tigers emerge as champions after a thrilling 58–54 victory over West Coast Crash.
two-day wheelchair rugby spectacle
The weekend, hosted at Fenton Manor Sports Complex, brought together the top teams from across the country for a two-day wheelchair rugby spectacle. From the opening whistle on Saturday to the final buzzer on Sunday, the action was relentless.
Weekend Recap: Results and Standings
The final Premiership weekend in Stoke-on-Trent delivered a packed schedule of high-stakes matches, with each team battling for position and pride. Across two intense days, the competition saw tactical showdowns, standout performances, and dramatic finishes.
Leicester Tigers dominated the weekend, going unbeaten with four wins, including a nail-biting final against West Coast Crash. The Tigers’ consistency and depth across the court proved too much for their opponents, earning them the 2025 Premiership title.
West Coast Crash also impressed, securing three wins before falling just short in the final. North East Bulls and Cheltenham Tigers each picked up key victories, while London Storm showed resilience in a tightly contested match against Cheltenham.
The results reflected the growing competitiveness of the league, with every team showcasing moments of brilliance and growth.
League Table
| Position | Team | Points | TF | TA | TD |
| 1 | Leicester Tigers | 34 | 655 | 549 | 106 |
| 2 | West Coast Crash | 32 | 680 | 507 | 173 |
| 3 | Cheltenham Tigers | 20 | 518 | 615 | -97 |
| 4 | North East Bulls | 18 | 514 | 606 | -92 |
| 5 | London Storm | 16 | 537 | 629 | -92 |
Premiership Results – Tournament Three
Saturday 26 July
- London Storm 44–54 Leicester Tigers
- Cheltenham Tigers 37–62 West Coast Crash
- London Storm 47–51 North East Bulls
- Leicester Tigers 62–37 Cheltenham Tigers
- West Coast Crash 54–36 North East Bulls
- London Storm 45–42 Cheltenham Tigers
Sunday 27 July
- North East Bulls 41–56 Leicester Tigers
- West Coast Crash 54–37 London Storm
- North East Bulls 39–49 Cheltenham Tigers
- West Coast Crash 54–58 Leicester Tigers (Final Match)
Final Match Recap: Tigers vs Crash
The final clash between Leicester Tigers and West Coast Crash was a masterclass in elite wheelchair rugby. The game ebbed and flowed with momentum swinging between the two sides. Turnovers were frequent, and both teams showcased tactical ingenuity, with Leicester’s defensive discipline and transition play proving decisive in the closing minutes.
With just four points separating the sides at the final whistle, the Tigers sealed their unbeaten weekend and lifted the Premiership trophy in front of a roaring crowd.
“In the season finale Leicester Tigers and West Coast Crash, went point for point in a relentless display of elite wheelchair rugby. Every hit, every pass, every try was a testament to the heart and skill of two teams refusing to back down. A fantastic way to end the season.”
Adam Simmons – Competition Manager
Missed the action? You can watch the full final match on YouTube, complete with live scoring and commentary from Adam Simmons and Stuart McLindon.
Standout Players and Awards
Best in Class – Premiership Tournament Three
The following athletes were recognised as the Best in Class for their classification during Tournament three, highlighting their exceptional skill, impact, and consistency across the weekend:
| Classification | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | Bruno Carrico | Leicester Tigers |
| 1.0 | Bulbul Hussain | London |
| 1.5 | Harri Jenkins | Leicester Tigers |
| 2.0 | Gavin Walker | Leicester Tigers |
| 2.5 | Lewis Evans | Leicester Tigers |
| 3.0 | Hannah Bucys | Crash |
| 3.5 | Stuart Robinson | Crash |
Science in Sport MVP: Seb Vidin
Seb’s commanding presence on court, tactical intelligence, and leadership earned him the Most Valuable Player award for Tournament three. His performance was instrumental in the Tigers key victories and competitive edge throughout the weekend.
Official Appreciation Award: Hannah Aldridge
The Official Appreciation Award was presented to Hannah Aldridge on her return to wheelchair rugby.
This award marks a special moment as Hannah made her return to wheelchair rugby officiating, bringing with her a wealth of experience, professionalism, and passion for the game.
Her commitment to upholding the integrity of the sport and supporting athletes at all levels has made a lasting impact on the community. GBWR is delighted to celebrate her contributions and welcome her back to the court.
Thank You to Our Rugby Community
GBWR extends heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, supporters, officials, referees, fans, coaches, and support staff who made this weekend possible. Your dedication and passion are the backbone of our sport.
Meet the Champions: Leicester Tigers
Led by a dynamic squad including Bruno Carico, Gavin Walker, Faye West, and French import player Seb Verdin, the Tigers demonstrated depth, cohesion, and resilience throughout the weekend. Their unbeaten run in the last two tournemnts is a testament to their preparation and tactical experience.
“This win means so much to us. We started the season with just a few players and had to rebuild the team from the ground up. After losing in the first round, we didn’t make excuses — we came together, found solutions, and kept pushing. We also set out to develop new players and boost female participation in Tigers, and we’re proud to have achieved both. This has been one of the most competitive Premiership seasons in a long time, which makes the win even more special. Huge thanks to all the volunteers and GBWR staff for putting on a fantastic tournament.”
Jamie Stead – Tigers Head Coach
About Our Sponsor: Allied Mobility
We’re proud to be supported by Allied Mobility, the UK’s leading provider of wheelchair accessible vehicles. As part of a transformative three-year partnership with Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR), Allied Mobility sponsors both the Wheelchair Rugby: Fours National Series and the WR5s league, helping to grow the sport and promote inclusivity across the UK.
Allied Mobility designs and manufactures a unique range of wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs), including cars for families, taxis, and minibuses for schools and care homes. Their commitment to accessibility and community engagement aligns perfectly with the values of wheelchair rugby, making them an ideal partner in expanding opportunities for players, coaches, volunteers, and fans alike.
Thank You to Our Photographer: Adam Johnson
A special thank you goes to Adam Johnson for capturing the energy, emotion, and unforgettable moments of the weekend through his outstanding photography. His work brings the action to life and helps tell the story of this incredible Premiership finale.
