GBWR announced the appointment of Jason Leonard OBE as its first patron in 2016. Leonard was one of the most successful England Rugby players, winning Grand Slams in 1991, 1992, 1995 & 2003; the 2003 Rugby World Cup and a British and Irish Lions Test series (on the 1997 tour of South Africa). Leonard’s appointment furthers strengthens the relationship between the able-bodied game and wheelchair rugby, alongside the ambassador appointments of Mike Brown and Rupert Moon.
Leonard commented, “It’s an honour to be asked to be the first patron of this amazing sport. I first got to know the game when I was squeezed into a chair to take part in a charity event at Hazlemere Rugby Club back in 1991. It’s the most exciting of sports to watch and I am always inspired by those who play the game”.