World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) would like to recognise and congratulate its President, Richard Allcroft who has received the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List for “services to Wheelchair Rugby”.
Following a six year tenure on the WWR Board he ran a successful campaign and was elected as President in 2018. Richard’s vision was based on WWR being recognised and respected as a leading International Federation within the Paralympic Movement.
In addition, he has been involved in wheelchair sports and the Paralympic Movement for 30 years mainly with Wheelchair Rugby. Working with his local wheelchair sports club, National Governing Body and other roles such as International Federation Delegate for the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Richard has lead WWR successfully through the Covid Pandemic and subsequently a number major developments including the rebranding of the International Federation as World Wheelchair Rugby and continues working with partners World Rugby developing links and a number of projects including the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup staged at the Rugby World Cup.
Richard is also actively involved at the Sheffield Spinal Injuries Centre (SIC) in the UK. This is with the knowledge and support of the consultants and all involved with the multi-disciplinary team. The role centres around peer support, advice and educating patients in assistive technology in partnership with a large National charity called Aspire.