Author: Editor Prime

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!

Semi-Finals Showdown! The Stage is Set! 

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!

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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!

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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!

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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! 

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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.

Photograph: D Echelard

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. 

For more information on the study, please visit the Peter Harrison Centre website: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/research/phc/impact/female-participation-wheelchair-rugby/

View the Female Participation in Wheelchair Rugby Postcard here!

Sarah Adam was an able-bodied individual who wanted to combine her love of sports and occupational therapy, so she volunteered in wheelchair rugby, which was her initial introduction to the sport.

In 2016, Adam received a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She had noticed some warning signs like numbness in her hands in high school, but as she progressed into graduate school, the situation worsened. Adam said she didn’t share that diagnosis with anyone, taking time to process it herself. But after that, her mindset changed.

Adam began playing wheelchair rugby in 2019 and made her international debut at the Americas Championship in 2022, where the team won gold and later that year won a silver medal at the World Championships. In 2023, she was part of the gold medal winning Parapan American Games team that secured USA Wheelchair Rugby a spot for Paris 2024. She also became the first American woman to win Parapan American Games gold in wheelchair rugby.

Patrice Dagenais is the co-captain of Canada alongside Trevor Hirschfield. He is known as a hard-working, intelligent player. Like many members of the Canadian team, Dagenais comes from a strong hockey background.

His ability to excel in wheelchair rugby has enabled him to realise his dreams of competing at the highest level. In 2012, he was invited to join the national wheelchair rugby team and represent Canada at the Paralympic Summer Games, where he won a silver medal. Patrice would later go on to capture gold at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games and recently competed in his third Paralympic Summer Games in 2021. Dagenais is also the president and coach of the Ottawa Stingers Wheelchair Rugby Club.

Jamie Stead made his international debut at the Canada Cup in 2014, he has since gone on to become a key member of the Great Britain team, representing them at European and World level. Stead made his Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games, and took home a gold medal at the Paralympics in Tokyo 2020.

Stead is regarded as one of the best 2.5 players in the world, which has been recognised on a number occasions. He has been awarded MVP and best 2.5 player at the Quad Nations, while also picked best 2.5 player at the WWRC in Tokyo in 2019, and the Japan Para Championships in 2018.

Denmark’s Sebastian Frederiksen holds a reputable position in the realm of European sports due to his consistent performance. He has been a key member of Denmark’s Paralympic, World and European Championship teams for more than a decade. Despite being affected by cerebral palsy, which impacts his mobility, Frederiksen has shown no signs of slowing down to stamp himself as one of the world’s most highly regarded 3.5-classified players. His speed and physicality on the court have been vital in Denmark’s climb up the rankings.