Classification: 1.5
Date of birth: 4/8/1985
Home town: Leicester
Club: Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby Club
Disability: Meningococcal Septicaemia
Biography
Nick Cummins is a seasoned and decorated member of the Great Britain wheelchair rugby team, known for his resilience, leadership, and tactical intelligence on the court. His journey into the sport began after a life-changing diagnosis of meningitis at age 19, while studying at Leeds University. During his recovery, Nick found inspiration watching the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, which sparked his interest in para sport.
Initially trying wheelchair basketball, Nick soon discovered that his strengths were better suited to wheelchair rugby. He joined the GBWR development team at age 24 and quickly progressed through the ranks. In 2014, he was invited to join the GB national squad, making his full debut at the 2015 BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge. He also competed at the Rio 2016 Test Event.
Nick has since become a key figure in the team’s success, contributing to European Championship victories in 2017 and 2019, and playing a pivotal role in Great Britain’s historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. He also competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where GB narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth after a close match against Australia.
Off the court, Nick is equally accomplished. He recently completed a PhD in History at the University of Leicester, balancing academic excellence with elite sport. He also holds two national titles at club level with Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby Club.
Nick credits wheelchair rugby with giving him a “sense of purpose” and continues to be a powerful advocate for the sport and for disability inclusion.
Playing history:
2024: Paris Paralympics – 4th
2024: Quad Nations Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, UK – 3rd
2023: International Wheelchair Rugby Cup, Paris – 5th
2023: European Championships, Cardiff – 2nd
2022: World Championships, Denmark – 7th
2022: King Power Quad Nations Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, UK – 2nd
2022: European Championships, Paris – 2nd
2021: Tokyo Paralympics – 1st
2021: King Power Quad Nations Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, UK – 1st
2020: King Power Quad Nations Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, UK – 2nd
2019: World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, Tokyo – 4th
2019: European Championships, Denmark – 1st
2018: World Championships, Australia – 4th
2017: European Championships, Germany – 1st
2016: Paralympic Test Event, Rio – 1st
2015: BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge – 5th
Nick is supported by BOOST Charity