By Rob Tarr
On June 14–15, SAWCR hosted its second League Event of the season, bringing together ten teams for an action-packed weekend of competition. Both the four Paralympic discipline teams and seven Wheelchair Rugby 5s squads took to the court, showcasing skill, strategy, and relentless determination in back-to-back games.
With the dust settled and the adrenaline still fresh, I caught up with Mandeville Head Coach Ilan Guest to find out whether the recent WWR Coach Education Workshop had influenced what we saw on court. Here’s what he had to say:
“The World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) coaching clinic hosted by Rob Tarr and Stu McLindon in South Africa in February 2025 was a game-changer for me, transforming my approach to wheelchair rugby coaching at a fundamental level.
Before attending the clinic, my coaching style focused predominantly on physical training. However, Rob and Stuart’s expert guidance has shifted my emphasis towards tactical development and driving home key concepts through creative drills and exercises. Their coaching philosophy and methods have given me a renewed sense of purpose and direction with my team.
The clinic’s interactive nature allowed for valuable discussions, questions, and sharing of experiences among other coaches in the South Africa Wheelchair Rugby League. I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from Rob and Stu’s wealth of knowledge and experience in wheelchair rugby coaching. Even after the clinic, they’ve been available to answer questions, offer feedback, and share additional resources. This level of dedication and commitment to the development of wheelchair rugby coaches is truly inspiring, and I’m grateful for their ongoing support as I continue to grow and develop as a coach.
I’m already seeing the difference this new approach is making with my players on the court. Their understanding of the game has improved significantly, and they’re executing tactics with more confidence and precision. My new coaching regimen has helped them develop a deeper understanding of the game, and they’re now making more informed decisions during matches. It’s really rewarding to see the players’ growth and development.”
WWR Coach Education Certificates were presented to the attending club coaches:
(Left to right) Ilan Guest, Freddy Mabika Ntumba, Petronella khanya
(Left to right) Mariné McIntyre, Table officials at the league 2 event