Wheelchair Rugby Fives (WR5s) Nationals Crowns Champions as Community Spirit Shines in Kettering
Leicester Tigers and Team Solent Sharks lift the trophies after a memorable weekend of WR5s competition
The Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby Fives (WR5s) Nationals returned to Kettering Arena on 3-4 October, bringing together 12 teams from across Great Britain for a weekend that showcased everything that makes wheelchair rugby special.
Across two days of competition, clubs competed for Cup and Shield honours, but the event was about far more than results. From fiercely contested matches and emerging young talent to volunteers, officials and lifelong friendships, WR5s Nationals once again highlighted the strength of the wheelchair rugby community.
With every match streamed live on the GBWR YouTube channel, supporters from across the country were able to follow the action as teams competed for national honours.
Cup Competition
Saturday’s Cup competition featured six ambitious teams looking to book their place in Sunday’s knockout rounds.
RGC 1404 made an immediate statement with a 49-42 victory over Premiership champions Penrith Pumas before following it up with a convincing 63-15 win over Northampton Saints to top Group A.
Leicester Tigers matched that form in Group B, defeating Crawley Jets 63-29 before overcoming North East Barbarians 54-34 to secure top spot.
North East Barbarians responded from their opening defeat with a strong 49-35 victory over Crawley Jets, while Penrith Pumas claimed second place in Group A with a 43-32 victory over Northampton Saints.
Cup Semi Finals
Sunday morning delivered two highly competitive semi-finals.
Leicester Tigers edged out Penrith Pumas 51-45 in a hard-fought contest, while RGC 1404 continued their impressive weekend form with a 43-33 victory over North East Barbarians.
The results set up a final between two of the tournament’s standout teams.
Cup Final
The Cup Final was unfortunately impacted by injury.
Following an injury within their squad, RGC 1404 were unable to field the minimum number of players required for the final. As a result, the match was awarded to Leicester Tigers as a walkover, crowning them WR5s National Cup Champions.
In the true spirit of wheelchair rugby, RGC 1404 borrowed players from other clubs to ensure a game could still take place for those in attendance. The exhibition match allowed both sides to finish their weekend on court and provided a fitting end to a fantastic tournament.
Leicester Tigers were therefore confirmed as Cup champions, while RGC 1404 finished as deserving runners-up after an outstanding weekend that included victories over Penrith Pumas, Northampton Saints and North East Barbarians.
Penrith Pumas secured third place after defeating North East Barbarians 50-41 in the Bronze Match.
Cup Final Standings
1. Leicester Tigers
2. RGC 1404
3. Penrith Pumas
4. North East Barbarians
5. Crawley Jets
6. Northampton Saints
Shield Competition
The Shield competition delivered equally competitive action throughout the weekend.
Team Solent Sharks made a strong start by defeating Saracens 59-39 before overcoming Berkshire Banshees 65-39 to top Group A.
In Group B, Ospreys opened with a 49-33 victory over Dragons before defeating West Country Hawks 46-38 to secure first place.
Berkshire Banshees bounced back from their opening defeat with a hard-fought 55-48 victory over Saracens, while West Country Hawks progressed after a convincing 62-35 win over Dragons.
Shield Semi Finals
Sunday’s semi-finals saw Team Solent Sharks continue their unbeaten run with a 50-40 victory over West Country Hawks.
Berkshire Banshees joined them in the final after defeating Ospreys 52-36.
Shield Final
The Shield Final saw Team Solent Sharks complete a perfect tournament.
Despite a determined performance from Berkshire Banshees, the Sharks produced another composed display to secure a 58-35 victory and lift the Shield title.
West Country Hawks claimed third place after defeating Ospreys 57-38.
Shield Final Standings
1. Team Solent Sharks
2. Berkshire Banshees
3. West Country Hawks
4. Ospreys
5. Dragons
6. Saracens
Individual Awards
Cup Best in Class
0.5 Lauren Saphir (Leicester Tigers)
1.0 Nichola Charlton (Leicester Tigers)
1.5 Loch O’Higgins (RGC 1404)
2.0 Quinn Elson (North East Barbarians)
3.0 Mark Barnes (RGC 1404)
Cup MVP
Jack Schofield (North East Barbarians)
Shield Best in Class
0.5 Bruno Carrico (West Country Hawks)
1.0 Will Hopkins (Berkshire Banshees)
1.5 Arran Flay (Ospreys)
2.0 Francis Johnny (Team Solent Sharks)
3.0 Craig Goodsall (Dragons)
4.0 Liddy Stainer (Berkshire Banshees)
Shield MVP
Braydon Parry (Team Solent Sharks)
More Than Just Competition
While there was plenty of quality wheelchair rugby on display, one of the biggest successes of WR5s Nationals was the atmosphere around the venue.
The tournament brought together experienced players, developing athletes, female players competing alongside male teammates, junior players taking important steps in their sporting journey and volunteers supporting the event from start to finish.
Away from the court, players and supporters enjoyed a range of activities throughout the weekend. A popular target challenge, kindly brought along by Northampton Saints, proved to be a major hit on Finals Day. Players queued up throughout Sunday for three attempts to hit the target and win a GBWR ball, creating plenty of friendly rivalry, laughter and memorable moments.
The weekend also saw the launch of a range of content through GBWR’s “Heidi Learns Wheelchair Rugby” series, helping new audiences understand Wheelchair Rugby Fives (WR5s), who can play and how to get involved.
Interviews with players, coaches, volunteers and officials highlighted many of the themes that make wheelchair rugby unique: mixed-gender competition, opportunities for junior players, community spirit and pathways into the sport for people with a wide range of permanent physical disabilities.
There were stories of athletes competing in multiple sports, players trying wheelchair rugby for the first time, volunteers sharing why they give up their time and young athletes gaining valuable competition experience.
Together, they painted a picture of a sport that continues to grow both on and off the court.
Get Involved
Inspired by what you’ve seen?
Wheelchair Rugby Fives (WR5s) creates more opportunities for people with a wide range of permanent physical disabilities to experience wheelchair rugby, whether as a player, volunteer, official or supporter.
Whether you’re looking to compete, learn new skills, meet new people or become part of a welcoming community, there is a place for you in wheelchair rugby.
Find your nearest club and start your wheelchair rugby journey today
A huge thank you goes to every player, coach, official, volunteer, supporter and workforce member who helped make WR5s Nationals 2026 another outstanding weekend of wheelchair rugby.
Thank you Adam Johnson for these action shots from the weekend.
