The 25th edition of Rugbymania took place from November 14–16, 2024, in Prague at the Sport Centre Rokytka. This well-established tournament welcomed 12 teams competing in two leagues. Rugbymania traces its origins back to 1998, when a small number of teams participated in the first event following the Sports Camp at the Sport Centre Nymburk. The tournament was held there until 2013. In 2014, it moved to Pilsen, and since 2015, it has been hosted in Prague.
This year, the tournament benefited from a new venue located just 5 km from the hotel, making transportation more convenient. The players and teams appreciated the excellent facilities and warm hospitality of the Sport Centre.
In the First League, the Red Lions, participating for the fifth time, claimed their first-ever trophy by defeating the Agivie Sharks in the final. The Agivie Sharks celebrated their second silver medal, following a similar achievement in 2022. The Prague Robots secured third place with a win over Switzerland. The Korean team, Chungnam Pro Team, finished in fifth place, while the Polish team, IKS JEŹDŹCY PREZERO ARENA GLIWICE, ended in sixth.
In the Second League, Sweden’s Nacka Spiders claimed victory, followed by Austria’s Flying Wheels in second place. The Polish team Four Kings finished third, beating the Danish Development Team 56–44. The Czech teams took the last two positions, with The Gunners in fifth place and the Czech Development Team narrowly losing 47–49 in their final match.
“It is an honour to host a tournament of this scale, which brings new challenges every year. We witnessed some fantastic matches, and the satisfaction of the teams motivates us to start preparing for the 26th edition, scheduled for November 13–15, 2025,” said David Lukes, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee.
Referee Clinic: A Key Element of Rugbymania
Rugbymania kicked off with a referee clinic on Thursday morning, led by Head Official Kristin Hempfling and evaluator Katja Grotensohn. Kristin, a WWR World-Level Referee and Head Official of Germany, has been a part of Rugbymania since 2006. Katja, a member of the WWR Technical Working Group and Head Official of Europe, attended the event for the second time.
Nine referees from five countries participated in the 3.5-hour clinic, which focused on rules knowledge and referee mechanics, providing a solid foundation for the tournament.
From Thursday afternoon to Saturday evening, 15 referees from nine countries officiated 29 games across two divisions. Experienced WWR referees mentored newer officials, offering guidance and evaluations to enhance their on-court performance.
“Everyone improved significantly from day one to day three. A huge thank you to all for their hard work on and off the court and their excellent teamwork,” said Kristin Hempfling.
Collaboration Beyond Rugbymania
“We are also proud to have hosted WWR Governing Board members and representatives of member nations in Prague immediately after Rugbymania for three days of productive workshops, culminating in the General Assembly,” said Radka Kucirkova, President of Czech Adaptive Sports.
Reflections from the Main Organizer, Player, and Coach of the Prague Robots, David Lukes
The reason most people are drawn to wheelchair rugby isn’t just the sport itself but also the unique atmosphere. The rugby community fosters friendship and a sense of safety. The game may appear aggressive, but its essence is rooted in fair play. I’m pleased that wheelchair rugby is becoming increasingly similar to traditional rugby, although there’s still room for improvement, particularly in respecting opponents and referees—especially during emotionally charged matches.
Rugbymania’s motto, “Always Special,” is no coincidence. Since its inception, it has been a tournament that brings players together at the end of the season, with a social evening as an integral part of the event. Over the years, as the tournament has grown more professional, it has attracted world-class teams and players, including Paralympic representatives from across the globe.
The game itself has shown a clear trend toward dominance by high-point players. Teams without such players struggle to achieve strong results. However, one exception was the Swiss team, which we, the Prague Robots, faced in the third-place match. Their starting lineup consisted of players with a maximum classification of 2.5 points. Nevertheless, at the highest levels, having two high-point players on the court is often key to success, as seen in the top teams at the Paralympic Games and World Championships.
This was evident at Rugbymania as well, where the Red Lions showcased their strength in the final. With Danish national team players Leon Jörgensen and Mark Peters in their starting lineup, they defeated the Agivie Sharks 55–51. The Agivie Sharks delivered impressive performances throughout the tournament, with their star player, Davy Van Den Dop, being named the MVP of Rugbymania.
Lastly, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our teammates from the USA—Kory, Josh, and Chuck. It’s always incredibly inspiring to play alongside such remarkable stars. I’m truly grateful to be part of this incredible community.
We all know that 2024 was a very busy year, and what an amazing year it has been! Let’s take a moment to reflect on this incredible journey and all we have accomplished.
2024 featured a series of exciting international tournaments across multiple countries. Spain kicked off the year with a victory at the International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament, defeating Poland in a thrilling final. The 2024 WWR Paralympic Qualification Tournament in New Zealand saw Australia, Canada and Germany secure spots for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. In Denmark, the USA won the Musholm Cup, while Japan triumphed at the Quad Nations in Wales. Japan also claimed the Canada Cup, before dominating at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, securing gold ahead of the USA and Australia. The European Championship Division B in Finland saw Poland top the podium, while the International Development Clinic in Bali focused on growing wheelchair rugby in Asia. Colombia won the 4 Nações Sul Americanas tournament, and the year concluded with the Women’s Cup in Paris, where Team Energie emerged victorious. Throughout the year, tournaments helped refine team strategies, fostered regional growth, and provided athletes with valuable competition as they prepared for the upcoming Paralympic Games.
🟠 The International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament Madrid, Spain – 17th to 18th February Podium: 🥇Spain 🥈Poland 🥉Czechia
The year started in Spain with the International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament. The first day was completely dominated by Poland, closely followed by Spain. But on the second day, the hosts, Spain, took the lead over Poland in the final and won the competition.
Marc Subiron from Spain says: “Winning the first international wheelchair rugby tournament in Madrid meant a lot for the Spanish team. Not only because the team continues demonstrating that Spanish players are competitive at the international level, but also because of how the championship was achieved through a great final against Poland, who had recently become Euro B champions. As a member of the squad, I was really happy with how we pushed the entire team together to achieve this important result for the year. In addition, this was the first time Madrid held an international-level tournament, and we hope it won’t be the last. Inviting other European countries and playing at home is definitely a big step for Spain’s growth in the rugby community.”
🟠 2024 WWR Paralympic Qualification Tournament Wellington, New Zealand – 20th to 24th March Nations: Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Brazil, Colombia, Switzerland Podium: 🥇Australia 🥈Canada 🥉Germany
Eight teams travelled to the new home of Wellington rugby at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport. This was the first time New Zealand had hosted a major international wheelchair rugby tournament since the 2017 Asia-Oceania Tournament in Auckland. This competition was the last chance for teams to secure one of the three spots for the Paris 2024 Paralympics. The pressure was at its highest throughout the tournament. Australia and Canada secured their spots for the Paralympics by finishing first and second. Finally, Germany clinched the last European spot for the Paralympics.
Ella Sabljak from Australia says: “Qualifying for the Paralympic Games at the New Zealand repechage tournament was such an incredible moment. All the hard work, early mornings, and tough training sessions felt so worth it when we realized we’d done it. Sharing that with my teammates, who gave everything they had, made it even more special—it was pure joy.”
🟠 2024 Musholm Cup Korsør, Denmark – 29th to 31st March Nations: USA, Denmark, Great Britain Podium: 🥇USA 🥈Great Britain 🥉Denmark
The host nation Denmark, ranked 7th in the world, welcomed 2020 Paralympic champions Great Britain and 2020 Paralympic silver medalists USA to the Musholm Cup. This tournament was a great opportunity for all teams to try out new strategies and experience the opponents they will face in Paris during the Paralympics. USA took the lead and won the competition.
Mason Symons from Team USA says: “This tournament was a great opportunity to experiment with different lineups and new team concepts. We had a great time, and the accommodations were top-notch.”
📷Bagnis Pics
🟠 2024 Quad Nations Cardiff, Wales – 16th to 18th April Nations: Great Britain, USA, Japan, France Podium: 🥇Japan 🥈USA 🥉Great Britain
The Quad Nations, a competition well-known to everyone, returned this year with the four teams that were the first to qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympics: 2020 Paralympic champions Great Britain, 2023 European champions France, 2023 Asia-Oceania champions Japan, and 2023 Parapan American champions USA. Despite fierce competition, this prelude to the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games was a good opportunity for the four teams to evaluate their preparation. Japan placed first, followed by the USA and Great Britain.
Ryuji Kusaba from Japan says: “In 2023, I had the opportunity to participate in my first international tournament overseas, and I was also able to compete in the first international tournament of 2024. The games highlighted many personal challenges, but I will continue to work hard in my daily training to improve and build on this experience for the future.”
📷Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency
🟠 2024 Canada Cup Richmond Olympic Oval, BC, Canada – 3rd to 9th June Nations: Great Britain, Australia, Japan, Canada, USA, France Podium: 🥇Japan 🥈Australia 🥉Great Britain
The Canada Cup was the last international tournament before the Paralympics, offering teams one final opportunity to measure their readiness. Japan came to defend their 2023 title, and they succeeded in doing so. World champions Australia placed second, followed by the 2020 Paralympic gold medalists Great Britain.
Hitoshi Ogawa from Japan says: “The tournament was intense, as it also served as the final selection for the Paralympics. I was thrilled to see Japan win the championship, and I was honored to receive the Best Player Award. Although we finished with a perfect record, there is still a lot of potential for Japan to become even stronger.”
📷Bogetti Smith
🟠 Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Paris, France – 29th August to 2nd September Nations: Australia, USA, Japan, France, Canada, Great Britain, Denmark, Germany Podium: 🥇Japan 🥈USA 🥉Australia
The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games welcomed 83,141 spectators over the five days of competition, with 95% of the sessions sold out or nearly sold out. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing, and we witnessed some of the most exciting games in the history of the sport, held at the beautiful Champ de Mars venue next to the Eiffel Tower.
With four games per day, the competition was intense, and the suspense remained high until the very end. After not winning gold at Tokyo 2020, Japan took the lead in the final, beating USA, the most decorated Paralympic wheelchair rugby team. After winning three silver medals, Team USA is already aiming for gold at LA28.
Katsuya Hashimoto from Japan says: “The support I received has been an incredible source of strength for me. Winning the gold medal has given me a new perspective—one that can only be gained through such an achievement. I will continue striving toward my goal of becoming the ‘world’s best player.'”
📷Megumi Masuda / WWR
🟠 2024 WWR European Championship Division B Lahti, Finland – 29th September to 7th October Nations: Sweden, Poland, Italy, Spain, Austria, Czechia, Finland, Israel Podium: 🥇Poland 🥈Sweden 🥉Italy
Eight teams from Europe travelled to the Pajulahti Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Finland to compete for a spot in Division A. The host nation Finland claimed 7th place after a tough battle against Austria. The 5v6 battle between Israel and Spain was a very close game that almost went into overtime, but Spain won by just one point. Poland won three out of four games and clinched the gold after a powerful battle against Sweden. The top two teams, Poland and Sweden, earned their spots in Division A, while Italy also advanced to Division A after taking bronze. Finland, Austria, and Israel dropped down to Division C.
📷Essi Badi
🟠 International Development Clinic Bali – 9th to 12th October
WWR recently hosted a leadership development clinic in Bali, Indonesia, supported by BSF Indonesia and IPC funding, with workshops led by experts in coaching, technical officiating, and classification. The clinic, which involved 24 participants from six countries, aimed to support Asia’s participation in the 2026 Para Asian Games and foster regional growth, with ongoing initiatives including training camps, local wheelchair manufacturing, and coaching development.
🟠 4 Nações Sul Americanas Niteroi, Brazil – 16th to 19th October Nations: Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile Podium: 🥇Colombia 🥈Brazil 🥉Argentina
The training week for development hosted the South American Wheelchair Rugby 4 Nations tournament, which included teams from Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. This event promoted mobility and brought visibility to the sport. Colombia placed first, followed by Brazil and Argentina.
Julian Vargas Lopez from the Colombian team says: “The tournament was at a great level. Each country brought new players in preparation for upcoming international competitions. I think this serves a lot for the growth of the sport in the region.”
📷Thelma Vidales/ABRC
🟠 Rugbymania 2024 Prague, Czech Republic – 14th to 16th November
The 25th edition of Rugbymania brought together 12 exciting teams divided into two leagues. The players on these teams came from all over the world, including Finland, Sweden, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands, Germany, the Czech Republic, South Korea, Denmark, Luxembourg, and the United States. Rugbymania 2024 also hosted a WWR classification and Referee Clinic. The tournament started on Thursday with the first league matches, played in a round-robin format. The second league began on Friday with teams divided into two groups, followed by the semi-finals and placement games on Saturday. Strong players were present in both leagues, and the games were absolutely thrilling to watch!
Davy Van Den Dop, MVP of the tournament, says: “I was surprised because the finals didn’t go too well, but that’s alright. I appreciate the people who voted for me! I must say, the MVP award should be a bit more divided. It’s almost never awarded to a low-point player, and I think Florian Bongard was the MVP for the Red Lions. He did a very, very impressive job. I hope in the future we can hand out more titles.”
🟠 Shibuya Cup 2024 Shibuya, Japan – 18th to 20th November Nations: Japan, Australia
The Shibuya Cup hosted four games between Australia and Japan. The Australian development team started strong with two wins over Japan in the first two games. The third game ended with a win for Japan after two overtimes! The Shibuya Cup closed with a final win for Australia.
🟠 Wheelchair Rugby Women’s Cup 2024 Paris, France – 2nd to 8th December
The Women’s Cup is currently the only international event for female wheelchair rugby players. Since its debut in 2015, the event has grown significantly. The 4th edition welcomed 60 athletes from 18 countries, divided into 8 teams. Great Britain, who won every game they played last year and were the champions to beat, ended up in 3rd place and took bronze against France in a very close game. Team Energie won the final with a score of 52-37!
Anne-Elizabeth d’Acremont from France says: “It was an intense competition with several high-level matches, bringing together around sixty athletes from 18 nationalities. The tournament allowed many players to gain experience and face strong teams. Thanks to the CAPSAAA club for organizing this event that helps develop women’s wheelchair rugby.”
The 4th edition of the Women’s Cup in Paris was a remarkable milestone for women in wheelchair rugby. Held in 2024, the tournament brought together over 60 female players from 18 nations, showcasing the rapid growth of the sport and its increasing global reach.
From humble beginnings with just 12 players in 2017, the Women’s Cup expanded to 42 players by 2023, marking a significant step forward with its first-ever match between two national teams, Great Britain and Canada. In 2024, the competition featured six national teams—Brazil, Spain, Ireland, Great Britain, the USA, and host nation France—along with two regional global teams.
Empowering Women in Wheelchair Rugby
The Women’s Cup wasn’t just about the competition; it was a platform for progress and advocacy. The WWR Global Taskforce for Women’s Participation hosted a workshop for players and team staff, emphasizing the importance of inclusion and sharing updates on initiatives to boost women’s participation in wheelchair rugby.
Key Updates Shared by the Taskforce:
Enhanced Points Addition: WWR is seeking approval to change the points system, increasing the addition to the team for each female player on court. For each player rated 2.0 and above the team will receive an additional 0.5 on top of the current additional 0.5. Players rated 1.5 and below will still receive the original additional 0.5 points for their team.
Future Competitions: Discussions began about establishing an annual event dedicated to women’s teams.
The Playbook Launch: A comprehensive guide to growing women’s participation both internationally and domestically will debut in March 2024, aligning with International Women’s Day.
Ambassador Program: Participants were encouraged to become national ambassadors to advocate for women in wheelchair rugby.
Voices from the Players
During the workshop and throughout the tournament, players voiced their aspirations and challenges:
More Opportunities: Players emphasized the need for additional competitions and training opportunities as national women’s teams.
Support from Federations: Advocacy for national federations to back women’s teams and ensure equitable support was a key priority.
Inclusive Environments: Players called for welcoming club environments where coaching, court time, and opportunities are equitable for all genders.
Paralympic Representation: There was widespread support for a women’s division in the Paralympics while maintaining mixed competition options.
Moments of Inspiration
The tournament was filled with inspiring stories:
A player balancing motherhood by bringing her support team and toddler to the event.
Brazil making history with an all-female staff delegation.
A veteran player expressing newfound confidence and relaxation playing in an all-women environment.
A young player aspiring to compete in the first Women’s World Championships.
Teams forming lifelong bonds and expanding their “family” across borders.
Quotes from participants encapsulated the spirit of the event:
“This was the best experience of my life.”
“My family is bigger now—it’s from around the world.”
“I hope back home they saw me play and will now give me court time. I can play with the men, and I am good.”
Looking Ahead:
The success of the 4th Women’s Cup paves the way for exciting developments in women’s wheelchair rugby:
Playbook Launch: The “Playbook to Grow Women’s Participation in Wheelchair Rugby” will debut in March 2024.
Expanded Competitions: Work is underway to establish a robust calendar of events at zonal and global levels.
World Championships: Plans for the inaugural Women’s Wheelchair Rugby World Championships are in progress.
Ambassador Growth: The Ambassador Program aims to have representation from every nation, furthering the cause of inclusivity.
The 2024 Women’s Cup was not just a tournament—it was a celebration of resilience, progress, and the limitless potential of women in wheelchair rugby. As the sport continues to grow, the global community is committed to creating more opportunities for women to thrive on and off the court.
Sunday 17th November 2024 was the start of 3 days of Workshops and Meetings with over 20 WWR member nations present all contributing to strong discussions on the development and future of Wheelchair Rugby.
Zonal catch ups were held with nations facilitated by John Timms, WWR Operations Manager.
The workshops focused on several key areas aimed at strengthening the future of wheelchair rugby.
Proposed rule changes were presented in depth by Stan Battock, Head of Technical, and Jacques Erasmus, Head of Classification, with a focus on ensuring fairness and improving the overall competitive experience.
Kathy Newman, Director of Competitions and Development, and Makiko Harada, Female Participation Task Group Member presented the WWR Gender Equity strategy and approach, outlining initiatives to foster inclusivity and equal opportunity across all levels of participation.
The workshops also introduced the WWR Academy Learning Plan, an educational framework designed to support athlete development, coaching excellence, and leadership growth presented by Richard Allcroft OBE, WWR President, and Rob Tarr, Head of Coaching.
A review of the competition structure and classification pathway was presented by Tim Johnson, Head of Competitions, detailing proposed changes to the Membership fee structure, an explanation on licence fees and proposed changes to the World Ranking System, and the Competition and Classification Pathway in particular for developing nations.
The General Assembly saw the important business World Wheelchair Rugby completed and elections saw Juan Pablo Salazar Salamanca elected as Vice President, and Stephen Loader and Martin Richard elected as Members at Large. Shae Graham was elected as the Athlete Representative.
WWR President Richard Allcroft OBE stated “Thank you to all of the World Wheelchair Rugby Member Nations who joined us for the General Assembly and Workshops held in Prague, Czechia this week. Your presence, valuable insights, and engagement were instrumental in making the General Assembly and Workshops a resounding success. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and progress together. Congratulations to Juan, Stephen, Martin and Shae on their elections. I look forward to continuing working with them along with the rest of the Board” He recognised the support from the hosts adding “Huge thanks also to the Czech Wheelchair Rugby Association who were excellent hosts and enabled the 4 days to run smoothly”.
Juan Salazar, Vice President said “It’s exciting times for our sport. I’m looking forward to continuing working as Vicepresident to grow our reach and make sure wheelchair rugby continues changing people’s lives around the world.”
Steve Loader, Elected Member at Large said “I am honoured to have been re-elected to the Board of World Wheelchair Rugby at the General Assembly in Prague. There is much to be done working with our athletes and members organisations, and I am looking forward to exciting times ahead for our sport.”
Martin Richard, Elected Member at Large, stated “I’m deeply grateful to the membership for placing their trust in me for a second term on the board of directors. This is a pivotal moment for WWR as we develop our next strategic plan. I remain committed to supporting the organization’s leadership as we work to grow our sport and prioritize key areas of advancement, including commercial opportunities and expanding global broadcast coverage.”
Shae Graham, Athlete Representative said “I am excited to be elected as the Athlete representative to world wheelchair rugby’s board. I am excited to work with the wwr athletes and the other board members to grow our sport.”
After a tournament full of powerhouse defence, jaw-dropping tries, and nail-biting games, the stage was set for a truly unforgettable finals day! Who would rise to Division A, and who would fight to stay in Division B?
Kicking off Finals Day, hosts Finland clashed with Austria for 7th and 8th place. It was neck-and-neck from start to finish, with both teams leaving everything on the court. In the end, Finland pulled ahead for a 53-49 win, finishing strong on home turf!
Then came the thriller of the tournament—the 5v6 battle between Israel and Spain. Neither team was willing to back down. Try for try, turnover for turnover, and just when it looked like we were heading into overtime, Spain made a lightning-fast drive in the final seconds to secure a heart-pounding 50-49 win!
Czech Republic and Italy then fought it out for bronze and a shot at Division A. Czech Republic came out swinging, but Italy regrouped and turned up the heat, sealing their win at 46-41. Italy takes the bronze!
And finally… the moment we were all waiting for—the Gold Medal Match! In a gripping battle between Poland and Sweden, Poland came out strong and never looked back. Sweden fought valiantly, but it was Poland who claimed the top spot with a 52-44 victory. Both teams are now Division A bound!
MVPs of the Tournament
Let’s give a huge round of applause to the incredible players who received Most Valuable Player awards!
🏅 0.5 MVP: Sweden #5, Claes Bertilsson
🏅 1.0 MVP: Israel #9, Ziv Ben Ishay
🏅 1.5 MVP: Spain #11, Pau Navarro
🏅 2.0 MVP: Czech #8, Filip Varton
🏅 2.5 MVP: Sweden #22, Tomas Hjert
🏅 3.0 MVP: Poland #10, Łukasz Rękawiecki
🏅 3.5 MVP: Italy #6, Ahmed Raourahi
To all teams moving up to Division A or heading down to C, we wish you the best of luck. To those staying in Division B, you made us proud! A massive thank you to everyone who made this tournament possible. Until next time, Wheelchair Rugby fans!
The intensity is at an all-time high as teams battle for their spot in the finals, and today’s action didn’t disappoint!
First up, Israel took on Finland in the opening semi-final. Finland gave it their all, but Israel’s speed and relentless pressure were unstoppable. Creating openings left and right, Israel powered their way to a dominant 66-36 victory, booking their spot in tomorrow’s 5v6 final!
Next, Spain faced off against Austria and wasted no time taking control. Spain’s sharp offense built an early lead that Austria couldn’t overcome, finishing with a decisive 66-29 win. Spain will meet Israel in the 5v6 final tomorrow!
Then came the much-anticipated clash between Poland and a determined Czech Republic. It was a physical, hard-hitting game, but Poland went on a key run to pull away and secure a 55-37 victory. Poland is now heading to the gold medal match!
But the real showstopper of the day? The epic battle between Italy and Sweden. This was easily the most thrilling game of the tournament so far! Sweden capitalised on early turnovers, but Italy fought back fiercely, keeping the score level throughout most of the quarters. In the final moments, Sweden edged ahead to clinch a 48-46 win, sending them through to the gold medal game!
Get ready for an epic final day of competition—tomorrow’s going to be unforgettable!
Intense Showdowns on Day Three: The Final Day of Round Games!
With semi-final spots on the line, teams took to the court with everything to prove—and the action did not disappoint!
First up, it was a clash of the red and white as Spain took on Poland in a fierce battle. Spain’s #32 Unai Gonzalvo stayed cool under pressure, guiding his team through hard hits and relentless defence to secure a 43-38 victory!
In the next matchup, Austria faced off against a determined Czech Republic. The teams went try-for-try early on, but Czech Republic’s #10 Petr Oppenauer brought his calm leadership and goal-scoring prowess to the court, breaking away for a 59-44 win with a 15-try margin.
Then came a true nail-biter as Sweden and Israel battled it out. Israel held a solid lead for most of the game, but #20 Andreas Lilja of Sweden wasn’t about to back down. With grit and determination, he rallied his team to an incredible comeback, clinching the win 45-39!
Closing out Day Three, Italy took on Finland and quickly took control of the game. With swift manoeuvres and sharp teamwork, Italy surged ahead and claimed a decisive 55-29 victory.
These teams have set the stage for an epic semi-final showdown! Who will come out on top? Stay tuned!
Day Two Heats Up the Competition!
Day two brought fierce showdowns as teams fought to pull ahead, while others battled to the wire for narrow victories!
Italy kicked off the day with a commanding performance against Austria, quickly seizing control and never looking back. With a relentless defense and capitalizing on turnovers, Italy’s #9 Nicolas Battistella had the crowd roaring with his electrifying plays and sharp finishes. The final score, 68-30, sends a clear message—Italy is emerging as a true force to be reckoned with in this tournament!
Next up, Poland and Sweden, both riding wins from Day 1, squared off in an intense clash. Poland’s signature hard hits and aggressive offense were on full display, with the dynamic duo of #10 Łukasz Rękawiecki and #31 Łukasz Szałabski leading the charge. Their chemistry was unbeatable as they powered Poland to a 55-40 win, making their mark once again!
Then came the thriller between Israel and Spain, a matchup that had everyone on the edge of their seats! Both teams went try-for-try for most of the game, but Israel’s #7 Neria Moshe Karasenty rose to the occasion, displaying incredible speed, strength, and composure under pressure. In a nail-biting finish, Israel pulled ahead late to claim a hard-fought 52-49 victory!
To close out the day, Czech Republic took on hosts Finland in a game full of momentum swings. Czech Republic’s duo of #8 Filip Varton and #32 Valter Ronisch fed off each other’s energy, scooping up loose balls and pushing their team ahead. With a final score of 56-45, Czech Republic rode their way to victory, ending the day on a high!
The competition is only heating up—stay tuned for more intense action!
Day One Delivers Thrills: Explosive Showdowns Set the Stage for an Unforgettable 2024 European Championship Division B!
The tournament kicked off in explosive style with massive hits, sneaky steals, and perfect plays lighting up the court from the first whistle!
After an electric opening ceremony, hosts Finland faced off against Austria in the first showdown of the day. The teams went try-for-try in a fast-paced opening, but some quick turnovers by Finland let Austria’s dynamic duo, #5 Christian Jurik and #22 Dominik Perner, seize the moment and take the lead. However, Finland fought back hard, and at halftime, the score was locked at 26-26! The second half was a heart-stopping back-and-forth battle of speed and strength, but in the end, Austria edged it out with a one-point win, 52-51!
Next up, Spain took on Sweden in a hard-hitting, high-energy clash. Spain, ranked #4, entered as favourites, but Sweden had other plans! Led by the cool-headed playmaker #22 Tomas Hjert, the bottom-ranked Swedes stayed calm under pressure and fought their way to a stunning 53-50 victory. What a way to make a statement!
The third game of the day saw Czech Republic face Italy, with Italy’s unstoppable force, #6 Ahmed Raourahi, putting on a show. His jaw-dropping catches and early tries set the tone for Italy, who powered through to claim a commanding 57-40 victory.
The final showdown of Day One didn’t disappoint as tournament favourites, Israel, faced off against a fierce Poland team! The intensity was sky-high from the opening whistle, with both teams battling neck and neck. It was clear this was going to be a nail-biter! Poland’s #10 Łukasz Rękawiecki took the game into his own hands, playing with unstoppable determination and fire. His leadership and clutch plays kept Poland in the hunt, as they eked out a thrilling 42-40 victory,
The action has only just begun, and if Day One is anything to go by, we’re in for an unforgettable tournament!
The heart-pounding action of wheelchair rugby returns with the highly anticipated and long awaited European Championship B Division tournament in Finland.
From 2 to 6 October, elite athletes from across Europe will come face-to-face in Nastola, Finland, showcasing their incredible skill, determination, and sportsmanship. This event promises to be a spectacular display of hard hits, strategy, and pure excitement.
Having last gone head-to-head in 2021, this year’s B Division Championship will feature some of the most competitive teams in Europe, all vying for the chance to move up to the prestigious A Division just as Switzerland has done after their victory in 2021. With eight teams now competing in the B Division, it’s anyone’s game!
Among the standout athletes is Mordechai Zidkiyahu from Israel. With a reputation for scoring crucial points under pressure, he was voted Most Valuable Player at the last B Division Championship. Each team boasts its own stars, ready to leave everything on the court in the pursuit of victory.
Don’t miss your chance to witness this extraordinary event at the Pajulahti Olympic and Paralympic Training Centre. Whether you are a long-time fan of wheelchair rugby or new to the sport, the European Championship B Division offers an unforgettable experience and celebration of sport, strength, and spirit.
Witness the continent’s most dynamic and determined athletes in the flesh, no tickets needed!
Follow us on Facebook (World Wheelchair Rugby) and Instagram (ww_rugby) for updates, schedules, and behind-the-scenes content. See you at the games!
From rolling onto the court in a regular wheelchair to representing Canada on the Paralympic stage, Erika Schmutz has faced every challenge of competing in a male-dominated sport—and never let it stop her.
Erika’s journey began at a Tampa Bay Lightning game, where she was introduced to wheelchair rugby by former Canadian National Team coach Joe Soares. She was instantly hooked. Back home, she launched a local club, rallied athletes, and booked a gym—all in the name of the game she loved.
“I found a sport where I could be competitive. I loved the speed, the contact, and unknowingly found a great community to be a part of,” Erika recalls.
She travelled two hours to play on an American team, pushing herself against top talent to prepare for a shot at the Canadian National Team. After years of tireless training, countless rejections, and paying her own way, she finally made the team in 2005.
Her first Paralympic experience in 2008 was a dream come true, though being the only woman on the team often felt isolating.
“It was surreal and amazing—more than you can possibly imagine,” Erika reflects.
But being a woman in a male-dominated sport wasn’t easy.
“Making the team was hard. Getting floor time was even harder. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter if you’re faster or more experienced—it just doesn’t happen,” she shares.
In 2023, Erika represented Canada at the Paris Women’s Cup, where she experienced the power of an all-female tournament.
“There’s a different energy and support among the athletes and coaches. Women play a more tactical game versus the ‘run and gun’ style of male-dominated teams,” she says.
Now, Erika is looking to the future. She dreams of creating more women’s teams, building a sense of community, and inspiring more female athletes to step onto the court. Her ultimate goal? A women’s World Championship and Paralympic division.
Paralympian, coach, community leader, Wheelchair Rugby Canada Board member, and role model, Erika can now add WWR Ambassador to the list. With her incredible experience and passion, she is now dedicated to increasing female participation globally. If you want to hear more about her mission, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Cedric Nankin continues to take the wheelchair rugby world by storm and has stamped himself as the best 1.5 player in the world.
Although, as the host nation, France already had their qualification slot, Nankin helped solidify their place for Paris 2024 when France defeated Great Britain and secured the Gold Medal at the 2024 European Championship in Cardiff, Wales.
The “machine” of the French wheelchair rugby team is the nightmare of opposing attackers, as they find it difficult to find a way past the defensive specialist. He made his Paralympic debut at Rio 2016 and was named the best 1.5 player at the 2018 World Championships in Sydney, and the 2019 European Championships in Vejle, Denmark.
Over the last several months, Loughborough University research has been taking place to support World Wheelchair Rugby’s (WWR) commitment and strategy to increasing female participation in the sport.
Co-led by Professor Vicky Tolfrey and Thomas Rietveld of the Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport, the results of the research will help ensure the International Rules of the sport support female athletes and Wheelchair Rugby as a sport open to all genders.
WWR President Richard Allcroft said: “Our sport has had a competition rule for many years allowing an increase in points for each female athlete on court and it was accepted that it was a good concept. The outcomes of the research now support our International Rules, and it demonstrates the importance of research in shaping projects and strategies. I’d like to thank the Peter Harrison Centre for their continued support with Wheelchair Rugby and the wider Paralympic Movement. I’d also like to thank our Member Nation, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby for providing resources to allow this project to take place.”
Loughborough Researcher Thomas Rietveld said: “Working towards evidence-based research in Wheelchair Rugby is essential for participation and equity. Our research has shown a disparity in muscle strength between females and males. This affects the ability to perform key Wheelchair Rugby performance activities, like blocking, picking, and hitting. It would be advised to reconsider the current competition rule for female Wheelchair Rugby players.”
In Wheelchair Rugby, teams of four players on court cannot exceed 8.0 classification points.
The World Wheelchair Rugby International Rule’s currently allows competing teams an additional 0.5 points for every female athlete on-court. Successful teams balance the roles of low-point (1.5 and below) and high-point (2.0 and above) athletes to ensure both defensive and offensive opportunities.
The sport of wheelchair rugby is open to all genders, and it is important that athletes are not considered to have reduced levels of classification. This undermines the classification system and in many cases an athlete’s ability.
François Van Zon
