GBWR newcomer Stuart Robinson has told the official website that he is excited to be making his debut for the national team when the squad come together for the 2017 European Championships in Koblenz, Germany next week.
The Ospreys player, who is one of three players selected in Paul Shaw’s squad for the first time, has been working hard to reach the national team after winning gold for the GB Invictus Games side in 2014.
Robinson (pictured) said: “It was always a goal of mine [to play for the national team] as soon as I started to play wheelchair rugby. One of my main goals in life is to be the best you can be and to take part in the Invictus Games was a great honour but that was always a stepping-stone to get into this GB squad.”
The former RAF corporal was on a routine patrol near Camp Bastion in 2013 when his vehicle was hit by a Taliban bomb. After losing both of his legs, Robinson was one of the star performers in the inaugural Invictus Games in London 2014.
“The standard between Invictus and GB is completely different but its good to have exposure and experience at that level. I always played able-bodied rugby before I was injured. I was trying to find a sport to get me out of bed and get me motivated and luckily for me I found wheelchair rugby.” Continued Robinson.
The 3.5 player, who is likely to make his debut against Poland on Tuesday, was quick to praise the BT National Championships last month as good preparation for the tournament: “It was good to play and get some court time. I was able to watch my GB team mates and learn as much as I can prior to the tournament.”
Shaw’s side will start their defence with a Group B game with Poland (Tuesday 27th 2pm BST) and all games will be streamed live and can be found here: //sportdeutschland.tv/iwrf-rollstuhlrugby-europameisterschaft-2017
