Eight Teams Confirmed for the 2026 Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby Nationals
A New Era Begins in Sunderland
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby is proud to announce the eight teams that have officially qualified for the 2026 Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby Nationals, taking place at the Beacon of Light, Sunderland, on 6–7 March 2026.
The Nationals mark the pinnacle of the domestic wheelchair rugby season — a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, competitive spirit, and community. After months of intense competition across Division 1 and Division 2, the nation’s top clubs are now set to clash for the ultimate prize.
This year brings a new level of energy and anticipation. From breakout rookies to seasoned internationals, every team arriving in Sunderland has earned their place through grit, determination and standout performances across the 2025–26 season.
The Qualified Teams
Division One
- West Coast Crash
- Leicester Tigers
- North East Bulls
- Cheltenham Tigers
The Division One field features some of the strongest rosters in British wheelchair rugby. West Coast Crash return with huge momentum, Leicester Tigers bring experience and consistency, North East Bulls continue their rise, and Cheltenham Tigers complete a powerful top four full of speed, physicality and tactical depth.
Division Two
- London Crusaders
- West Coast Burn
- Leicester Swifts
- North East Udders
Division Two has delivered some of the most dramatic match-ups and storylines of the season. From the Crusaders’ attacking firepower to the rapid development of West Coast Burn, alongside strong campaigns from both Leicester Swifts and North East Udders, this bracket promises an exceptional battle on Friday evening.
A Weekend of World-Class Competition
Over two action-packed days, spectators will witness the speed, contact, control and intensity that define Great Britain’s fastest-growing Paralympic sport. With free entry across both days, fans will be welcomed into an atmosphere designed to showcase everything that makes wheelchair rugby unique: courage, teamwork, physicality and community.
The event will also feature:
Live coverage across GBWR digital channels- Behind-the-scenes interviews
- Daily highlights and match clips
- A taster session for new players, delivered before Nationals tip-off
- A friendly wheelchair rugby match featuring staff from RGK and GBWR, celebrating the start of a new partnership
Nationals 2026 – Match Schedule
Friday 6 March — Division Two Day
| Time | Fixture | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 13:00 – 15:00 | Nationals Taster Session | Try wheelchair rugby with GBWR staff and volunteers |
| 17:00 | Division Two Semi-Final 1 | 1st vs 4th — London Crusaders vs North East Udders |
| 19:00 | Division Two Semi-Final 2 | 2nd vs 3rd — West Coast Burn vs Leicester Swifts |
Saturday 7 March — Division One Day
| Time | Fixture | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 09:00 | Division One Semi-Final 1 | 1st vs 4th — West Coast Crash vs Cheltenham Tigers |
| 11:00 | Division One Semi-Final 2 | 2nd vs 3rd — Leicester Tigers vs North East Bulls |
| 13:00 | Division Two Bronze Medal Match | — |
| 15:00 | Division One Bronze Medal Match | — |
| 17:00 | Division Two Cup Final | — |
| 19:00 | Division One Cup Final | — |
| 20:45 | Medal Presentation Ceremony | — |
The Road to Nationals
Every team competing in Sunderland has completed a demanding campaign. From opening fixtures in the autumn to decisive late-season performances, the journey to Nationals has been shaped by leadership, resilience and the desire to grow the sport across the country.
To explore every result and recap the full season story
To learn more about the Nationals and what to expect across the weekend
Join Us at the Beacon of Light
The 2026 Nationals are more than a championship — they are a celebration of communities, clubs, volunteers, families, and supporters who power wheelchair rugby forward throughout the year.
Whether you’re a long-time follower or completely new to the sport, we invite you to experience the action live in Sunderland.
Free entry. Big atmosphere.
Two days of world-class wheelchair rugby.
This is Nationals.
Watch Every Moment Live
For the first time, the Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby Nationals 2026 will be streamed with a full professional broadcast set‑up, bringing every hit, try and tactical battle directly to fans across the world.
Whether you’re joining us at the Beacon of Light or watching from home, you won’t miss a second of the action.
Live Streaming on GBWR YouTube
Every match across both days will be streamed live on the official GBWR YouTube channel, giving fans the highest‑quality viewing experience we’ve ever delivered.
No paywalls. No restrictions. Just world‑class wheelchair rugby, free for everyone.
Two Camera Angles — Professional Coverage
This year’s Nationals features a broadcast upgrade with two camera angles, offering:
- Clearer coverage of fast breaks and line movements
- Better visibility of hits, turnovers and tries
- A more immersive experience for fans watching online
Our team will be capturing the game like never before — fast, sharp, dynamic coverage that does justice to the intensity of the sport.
Live Commentary
Every game will include professional live commentary, giving fans:
- Player insights
- Tactical context
- Live reactions
- Big‑moment storytelling
- Expert knowledge of Division 1 and Division 2 teams
This ensures the online audience gets the same drama, detail and atmosphere as the crowd inside the venue.
Live Scores and Match Updates
Fans will be able to follow live scores, updated in real time throughout the weekend.
Whether you’re watching the stream or checking in on the go, all the key information will be easy to access and continuously refreshed.
Experience Nationals Anywhere
From pre‑game build‑up to the final whistle and medal presentation, GBWR will deliver a broadcast experience across:
- YouTube Live
- Social media match clips
- End-of-day highlights
- Player interviews
- Behind‑the‑scenes moments
Nationals is bigger, louder and more connected than ever — and now the whole world can join us.
