On the final day of the 2024 WWR Paralympic Qualification Tournament, the final slots were still to play for.
The 1st & 2nd placement match was neck and neck throughout. Australia took the lead by 1 try in overtime, winning by 49-48 against Canada, repeating the result from the 2023 International Wheelchair Rugby Cup final in Paris last October. Both teams qualified for the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
The 3rd & 4th placement match was arguably the most important of the tournament, determining the last qualification slot for the 2024 Paris Paralympics. With 2 minutes to go in the first quarter, Brazil took an early lead over Germany, 13-11. The first quarter ended 17-16 to Brazil. In the 2nd quarter, Germany forced several turnovers and took the lead by 2 tries. The score was 28-26 with 2 minutes remaining. Half time score; Germany 32, Brazil 30. By the end of the third quarter, Germany had a strong lead of 6 tries, with the score at that stage 42-36. The game ended with the score 62 – 50, Germany defeated Brazil and earnt the final qualification slot for the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Germany will compete again at the Paralympics; their last appearance was in Beijing in 2008.
As the Paralympic Qualification Tournament came to an end in Wellington, New Zealand, the 3 qualification slots for the 2024 Paris Paralympics were obtained by Australia, Canada and Germany. Overall placings at the event were:
1st | Australia |
2nd | Canada |
3rd | Germany |
4th | Brazil |
5th | New Zealand |
6th | Netherlands |
7th | Colombia |
8th | Switzerland |
With all the slots now determined, the teams qualified for the 2024 Paris Paralympics and how they qualified are:
France | Host and 2023 European Championship Winners |
Great Britain | 2nd place at the 2023 European Championship |
Denmark | 3rd place at the 2023 European Championship |
Japan | 2023 Asia Oceania Championship Winners |
USA | 2023 Parapan American Games Winners |
Australia | 2024 Paralympic Qualification Tournament Winners |
Canada | 2nd place at the 2024 Paralympic Qualification Tournament |
Germany | 3rd place at the 2024 Paralympic Qualification Tournament |