Watch GB Live: Japan Para Championships

30th January 2025

GBWR Gears Up for the 2025 Japan Para’s:

as Road to LA 2028 Begins

In what will be Great Britain’s first competitive games since the 2024 Paris Paralympics, the team has taken time to review and regroup as they set their sights on the long journey toward the 2028 Los Angeles Games. Their first test in this new cycle comes at Japan Para, a competition held in Chiba, Tokyo, where they will face reigning Paralympic gold medallist’s Japan, along with Australia—who narrowly edged them out in the bronze medal match in Paris—and France. With such high-calibre opposition, the tournament promises to be an exciting challenge for GB.

Dynamic mix of fresh talent and experienced leaders

The GB squad traveling to Japan boasts a dynamic mix of fresh talent and experienced leaders, a crucial blend for any new Paralympic cycle. Adam Scaturro, who recently stepped into the lead coaching role following the retirement of longtime GB Head Coach Paul Shaw in October 2024, shared his thoughts on the team’s development.

“There is a great mix of fresh energy and seasoned experience—those are key ingredients for building something truly special. I am fully embracing this next chapter for Great Britain! It’s such an exciting time when you can see and develop both immediate potential for success and build the foundation for the future.”

Scaturro also highlighted key emerging talents in the squad, expressing his excitement about their potential impact.

“My excitement about players like Faye West and Tyler Walker really speaks to the passion for GBWR supporting emerging talent. Watching them step up in a tournament like this, with opportunities to lead their lines, is such an exciting moment—not just for their development but also for the future of GB.”

newly introduced World Wheelchair Rugby rules

This competition not only marks GB’s return to the international stage post-Paris 2024 but also serves as the first tournament under the newly introduced World Wheelchair Rugby rules. One of the most significant changes allows teams to receive a one-point classification addition for every female athlete above a 2.0 classification on court, an increase from the previous 0.5 allocation. This modification aims to promote greater gender inclusion and strategic adaptation in the sport.

Scaturro welcomes these rule changes, seeing them as an opportunity for growth rather than a hurdle.

“One of the reasons I love this sport is that it continually evolves. These new rules offer a fascinating element to the game. Our approach is to see them as opportunities rather than obstacles.”

“I am especially excited about the opportunity for gender equality that these new rules promote. It will be such a thrill as a coach or fan to see how the rules shift the dynamics and create fresh strategies.”

GB Results

Day One: Thursday 6th February

Day Two: Friday 7th February

Day Three: Saturday 8th February

GB Fixtures (GMT)

Sunday 9th February

Bronze medal match 2am

Gold medal match 4.30am

GBWR Team selected for the 2025 Japan Para Championships:

Name	Classification	Club
Stuart Robinson	3.5	West Coast WRC
Tyler Walker	3.5	Cheltenham WRC
Faye West	3.5F	Leicester Tigers WRC
Ollie Mangion	3.0	London WRC
George Rogers	3.0	London WRC
Gavin Walker (c)*	2.0	Leicester Tigers WRC
Kieran Flynn (c)*	2.0	West Coast WRC
Harri Jenkins	2.0	West Coast WRC
Nick Cummins	1.5	London WRC
Bruno Carrico	0.5	West Country Hawks
Jonathan Coggan	0.5	London WRC
Muhammad Islam	0.5	West Coast WRC

*Co-captains selected for Japan Para Championships will be Gavin Walker and Kieran Flynn

Tournament Details

2025 Japan Para Championships

Watch Live Here

Dates: Thursday, 6 – Sunday, 9 February 2025

Location: Chiba Port Arena

Let’s Go GB!

The journey to LA 2028 begins now.

With a renewed focus, a strong blend of talent, and a fresh coaching perspective, GB Wheelchair Rugby is ready to take on Japan Para and set the tone for the next four years. The journey to LA 2028 begins now.