The new ranking system will take effect on 1 July 2025. This is based on feedback from members prior to and following presentations at the 2024 WWR Conference in Prague, there was consensus and agreement to revise the World Ranking System which has been developed and approved by the Competition Working Group. This was implemented from the 1st of July 2025.
Below is a table showing the ranking points based on the new system taking effect 1 July 2025. The previous system points are also shown to demonstrate the change in ranking for some teams as a result of the new calculations.
There are a few small changes in ranking positions for teams ranked 16-19.
The major changes are related to teams ranked 4-7. This is due to the increase in points under the new system for teams that place 2nd – 4th at an event. Great Britain had several placings between 2nd and 4th so their new system points total has increased This is also reflective of their most recent performance at Paris 2024.
A small spreadsheet has been created to assist with calculating event weightings and possible points earnt from an event. This is available for download off the WWR website under Competition Resources.
The overall new points calculation at 1 July 2025 is shown below and includes all events contributing to the calculation. These are based on the new points for teams placing at an event, the new weighting for events and the new annual adjustment.
If you have any questions regarding the new system or how point are calculated please contact Tim Johnson via tim.johnson@wrldwheelchair.rugby.
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
World Wheelchair Rugby is deeply saddened by the passing of Garett Hickling, one of the sport’s most iconic and influential figures. Inaugurated into the WWR Hall of Fame in 2018, for over two decades, Hickling was the driving force behind the Canadian National Wheelchair Rugby Team, serving as a leader, mentor, and inspiration to countless teammates and competitors.
Born and raised in Mica Creek, British Columbia, Hickling was an all-around athlete, active in sports such as ice hockey, football, and baseball. His life took a dramatic turn in February 1987 when, at just 16 years old, he suffered a spinal cord injury after falling from a 300-foot cliff during a nighttime hike. The accident claimed the life of one of his companions and left Hickling with a severe neck injury.
Refusing to let his disability limit his passion for sport, Hickling turned to wheelchair basketball and street hockey before a life-changing meeting with Duncan Campbell—one of the sport’s pioneers—led him to wheelchair rugby. Hickling began playing in 1993 and quickly rose through the ranks. By 1995, he was recognized as one of the world’s top players.
WWR President, Richard Allcroft said “I am saddened to hear the news of Garett’s passing. I’ve met and spoke with Garett on many occasions at events around the world. I was always struck by his passion and knowledge of the game. Always humble in the way he spoke, he was truly a legend within the sport and will be missed by the wheelchair rugby family. I pass on my condolences to his family and friends”.
Garett Hickling’s playing style was unmatched. Known for his fierce determination and strategic prowess, he was often likened to a chess master on the court. Much like Wayne Gretzky, who once said, “I skate to where I think the puck will be,” Hickling anticipated plays with remarkable precision. His relentless energy, trademark blonde mane, and commanding presence made him a formidable competitor and a fan favourite.
“Garett Hickling was a trailblazer in the wheelchair rugby community, not only for his remarkable achievements with Team Canada but for his unwavering commitment to giving back to others around him. His spirit of determination, generosity, and leadership will always be remembered, and his loss is felt deeply by all of us at Wheelchair Rugby Canada. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time”. – Paul Hunter, Chief Executive Officer, Wheelchair Rugby Canada.
Players across the globe respected Hickling. Steve Pate of Team USA, a long-time rival and friend, once said:
“Best thing that happened to my game was playing a season with Garett. He is still the standard I use when I coach high pointers. He taught me that a 3.5’s job is never done. He was there for his team heart and soul — always making others better, always making things happen, even when he was out of the play. He is my brother.”
Over the course of his illustrious career, Hickling competed in every major international wheelchair rugby competition from 1995 to 2015. His accolades include:
4 Paralympic medals: 3 silver, 1 bronze
5 World Championship medals: 1 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze
1 Parapan American Games gold medal (Toronto, 2015)
Hickling’s impact extended beyond the scoreboard. He was named MVP at the first three World Championships (1995, 1998, 2002), inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame, and honored as Team Canada’s Flag Bearer at the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games—one of the highest recognitions for a Canadian athlete.
Inducted into the WWR Hall of Fame at the 2018 World Championship in Sydney. He was one of the first four individuals to be inaugurated.
Garett Hickling’s legacy lives on not only through his remarkable achievements but also through the lives he touched, the teammates he inspired, and the game he helped define. He will be remembered as a pioneer, a warrior, and above all, a legend of the sport.
WWR are pleased that Ruth Momanyi has accepted the invitation to join the existing Board of Directors. Ruth has been working with WWR as part of their risk management governance and so was known to the organisation especially in relation to her knowledge and expertise.
Ruth has been co-opted into the position of “Director for Finance and Risk Management Affairs” and will also serve in an independent position according to the organisation’s governing documents. The interim position is for a maximum of two years.
The position became vacant after the incumbent, Jen Braem stepped down for personal reasons. Jen is not lost to our sport as she will continue her involvement with wheelchair rugby in Canada.
WWR President, Richard Allcroft OBE said “following good discussion with the board, I had a conversation with Ruth, and it was clear that she was thrilled to become more involved. I’m pleased that we also have representation from Africa. As an international body responsible for the sport globally, it can often be difficult to find people who can contribute in a way that I know Ruth will. I also want to thank Jen Braem, for her time on the board. She helped shape our current financial processes and we are better for them. I wish her all the best for the future.”
Ruth Momanyi said “I am honored to take on this new role and to continue contributing to WWR’s important mission. Since 2022, I’ve had the privilege of serving as an independent member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee, working alongside a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact.
In my professional life, I’ve been fortunate to work in public service, where the focus is on accountability, inclusion, and improving lives. I see this opportunity as an extension of that purpose; using my experience in finance and risk management to support WWR and the wider wheelchair rugby community.
As the Swahili saying goes, ‘Kidole kimoja hakivunji chawa’ — one finger alone cannot solve the problem. Together, we can make a meaningful difference.”
Ruth will start the role in earnest at the next board of directors meeting in July.
SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE
Draft Work Summary
Ruth Momanyi is a finance and audit professional with a rich background spanning both the public and corporate sectors. She currently works with the Supreme Audit Institution- SAI Kenya, contributing to a broad range of financial, compliance, and performance audit assignments. Her experience includes internal audit, forensic investigations, and external audits, with a strong foundation in public financial management and risk assessment. She has previously supported various public institutions, gaining valuable insight into public sector processes and accountability mechanisms. Since January 2022, Ruth has also served as an independent member of the Audit and Risk Management Committee at World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR), supporting governance and oversight through her professional expertise.
Over several action-packed days in The Hague, Netherlands, wheelchair rugby fans were treated to a spectacular show as the first international qualifying tournament for the 2025 season took place.
Hosted in an exceptional venue, the tournament brought together top teams from across Europe, all battling for a spot in next year’s World Championships in Brazil.
The competition was fierce and filled with emotion. While Sweden and Poland fought valiantly, they will be moving down to Division B. Their spirit and determination, however, left a lasting impression, proving they will be strong contenders in the future.
The teams from France, Denmark, Great Britain, and Germany emerged with a winning goal, securing their qualification for the 2026 World Championships. France, in particular, stood out by claiming the title—remarkably, for the third consecutive time. This historic achievement marks a golden chapter in French wheelchair rugby, affirming their dominance on the European stage.
Beyond the results, the tournament was rich in stories and promise. A new generation of players made their debut, bringing fresh energy and talent to the sport. Among them were several female athletes, a welcome and exciting development that highlights the evolving inclusivity of wheelchair rugby.
The host nation, the Netherlands, also put on a commendable performance, demonstrating grit and resilience throughout the tournament. Their efforts, both on and off the court, contributed to making this event a true celebration of the sport.
As the dust settles in The Hague, anticipation already builds for what’s to come. With new faces, historic victories, and world-class competition, wheelchair rugby continues to grow—and the road to Brazil has never looked more thrilling.
The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year!
From April 22 to 27, 2025, the WWR European Championship Division A will take center stage at the facilities of Sportcampus Zuiderpark in The Hague.
With just one week to go, excitement is building as the eight best teams in Europe prepare to battle for supremacy. A total of 96 elite athletes from eight powerhouse nations will compete in a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and athleticism. This championship promises intense action, as only the very best of Europe have secured their spots in this prestigious tournament. Fans can expect top-tier competition, as each team aims to claim the title of European champions.
The Sportcampus Zuiderpark, known for its good venue and vibrant atmosphere, is set to provide the perfect stage for this exciting event. Athletes will benefit from high-quality facilities, while spectators will enjoy an unforgettable experience in one of the most dynamic sporting venues in the Netherlands.With national pride and European dominance on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
As the tournament approaches, teams are fine-tuning their tactics, analyzing their rivals, and preparing to leave everything on the field. Fans, brace yourselves for a week of high-intensity action, dramatic moments, and sporting excellence! Stay tuned for more updates as the championship draws closer.
The Qufora Egmont Open 2025 has now concluded, and what an exciting few days it has been! The tournament has featured thrilling matches, incredible performances, and impressive displays of sportsmanship from all the participating teams. A huge thank you goes out to our sponsors, volunteers, and officials for their continued support and dedication in making this event such a success.
Congratulations to the Medal Winners!
After a few days of intense competition, we are proud to announce the following medalists:
ODIN LEAGUE:
Bronze: Brazil 🥉
Silver: Netherlands 🥈
Gold: Denmark 🥇
THOR LEAGUE:
Bronze: GB Talent 🥉
Silver: Bredballe Bucks 🥈
Gold: Red Lions 🥇
A Big Thank You to All Involved
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, volunteers, and officials who helped make the Qufora Egmont Open 2025 such a memorable event. Your commitment and hard work ensured the smooth running of the tournament, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.
Well Done to the Medal Winners!
A special congratulations to all the medal-winning teams! The level of competition was outstanding, and we were privileged to witness some fantastic wheelchair rugby action. A big shoutout to the Red Lions for their victory in the Thor League, and to Denmark for their dominant performance in the Odin League. Well done to all teams who participated, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year!
Final Thoughts: A Wonderful Experience with Our Wheelchair Rugby Family
As we wrap up Qufora Egmont Open 2025, we want to thank everyone who made this event a success. From the dedicated players to the supporters in the stands, it’s been a few days of incredible energy and spirit. We look forward to next year’s edition, and in the meantime, we’ll continue supporting wheelchair rugby at all levels.
Stay tuned for updates, and don’t forget to check out the photos from the event, courtesy of Thomas Rask / @raskprod. 📸
See you all again soon, and once again – congratulations to our medal winners! 💥🤩📣
The Qufora Egmont Open 2025 is just around the corner, set to take place from April 4 – 6 at Egmont Højskolen. This tournament will bring together ten teams from Denmark, Germany, Brazil, Netherlands, Sweden, and more, offering a great opportunity for teams to prepare for the upcoming European Championship in Wheelchair Rugby later in April.
Teams and Purpose
Among the participating teams are Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden, all using the Qufora Egmont Open as a warm-up for the European Championship in Wheelchair Rugby, which will be held shortly after. In addition, teams like RED LIONS, Bredballe Bucks, GB Talent, Norway, and the Qufora team are set to compete, adding a variety of talent to the tournament.
One to Watch: Tobias Sandberg
One player to keep an eye on is Tobias Sandberg, who is making his comeback for Sweden after some time away from the court. Known for his dynamic play and leadership, Sandberg’s return will be a key highlight for fans of Swedish wheelchair rugby.
Venue
The tournament will be held at Egmont Højskolen, a venue well known for its excellent accessibility and welcoming atmosphere, providing a great setting for both players and spectators alike.
Stay Informed
You can follow the schedule and updates for the event here, and stay connected via the official Facebook page.
Looking forward to seeing you at the Qufora Egmont Open 2025 for a good tournament in wheelchair rugby!
Photo credit: Sara Pardoe Lisa O’Keefe MBE (Secretary General, International Working Group on Women and Sport) and Richard Allcroft OBE (WWR President) and the signed declaration
World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) is thrilled to announce a historic step toward gender equity in wheelchair rugby with the signing of the International Working Group (IWG) on Women and Sport’s Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration on March 4. This landmark commitment is accompanied by the launch of the Wheelchair Rugby Gender Equity Playbook—a game-changing strategy designed to drive female participation and leadership at every level of the sport.
The Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration is a global movement championing equity, inclusion, and opportunity for women in sport. Recognizing the need for greater female representation, WWR’s 2022 strategic review set the foundation for this initiative.
WWR President, Richard Allcroft OBE, emphasized the importance of action:
“We recognised as an organisation that we were not doing enough to include female athletes within our sport. I’ve always been proud that our sport is open to all genders, but it was clear that if we didn’t create change, then we were never going to see enough female athletes taking up the game.
As our strategies were taking shape, this needed to expand to encompass the inclusion of women in leadership positions as well. The signing of the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration and the launch of our Playbooks is a statement that we are not just open to change but committed to making changes.”
Kathy Newman, Director of Development and Competitions and Chair of the WWR Women’s Task Group, reinforced the transformative nature of this step:
“The Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration isn’t just a pledge—it’s a game-changer. When we formed our Women in Sport Task Team, we saw the barriers holding women back. This declaration is breaking them down, driving real change worldwide. When we invest in women in sport, we don’t just level the playing field—we transform the game for future generations and we change lives.
A future where women have equal opportunities in sport isn’t just possible—it’s happening. The Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration is proof that when we commit to change, we create a legacy of inclusion and empowerment.”
WWR is committed to turning words into action with the Wheelchair Rugby Gender Equity Playbook, a strategic framework aimed at:
Recruiting more female athletes through targeted outreach and engagement.
Developing leadership pathways for women in coaching, officiating, and governance.
Ensuring fair funding and resource allocation to support female athletes.
Creating a culture of inclusion through policy and mindset shifts across the sport.
Within the Playbook is a practical, community-focused guide designed to help local clubs create and deliver inclusive programming for women+. As well as a strategic framework for national federations and governing bodies. It provides guidance on policy development, funding applications, and the creation of targeted communications strategies to drive lasting change at a systemic level.
To complement these resources, WWR has also released a one-page summary, offering a concise overview of both playbooks and their key objectives.
This is more than a promise—it’s a bold, actionable plan to create lasting change. As nations begin implementing the playbook, WWR calls on the global wheelchair rugby community to step up and make equity a reality.
Lisa O’Keefe MBE, Secretary General of IWG, reflected after the signing:
“It’s a great pleasure to welcome World Wheelchair Rugby as the latest signatory of the IWG’s Declaration. IWG was involved in the consultation stage of the playbook and so I saw first-hand their commitment to making systemic change within the Federation in order to make the sport accessible to women and girls at every level.
WWR underwent a thorough process to produce their Playbooks, and I’m delighted we can share their brilliant work with the IWG network.”
For more information on the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration and the Wheelchair Rugby Gender Equity Playbook, visit https://worldwheelchair.rugby/ or follow us on social media @ww_rugby.
They say you shouldn’t reinvent the wheel – unless, of course, that wheel is rolling towards a future of greater gender equity in wheelchair rugby. World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) is proud to launch not one, but two groundbreaking Gender Equity Playbooks, set to level the playing field for women+ in the sport. If you’re ready to tackle outdated norms and turn gender equity from buzzword to reality, these playbooks are your new MVPs.
Why Two Playbooks? Because One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Let’s break it down…because equity isn’t just about opening the door, it’s about making sure everyone can get through it. The Club Playbook is your no-nonsense, grassroots guide to boosting female participation at the community level. Think of it as the ultimate game plan for clubs looking to welcome more women into the sport, whether as players, coaches, or future legends. It’s packed with practical tips, step-by-step advice, and enough inspiration to get your whole squad fired up.
But what about the big-picture stuff? Enter the Member Nations Playbook – designed for national federations and governing bodies. This isn’t just a handbook, it’s a power play for structural change. From shaping policies and securing funding to building communications strategies, this resource helps countries create long-lasting frameworks that champion gender equity at every level of the game. If clubs are the engine, this playbook is the blueprint for building the whole machine.
What’s Inside?
👉 Targeted recruitment strategies to bring more women+ into the game 👉 Leadership development programs to boost female representation on and off the court 👉 Tips for creating inclusive environments 👉 Funding guidance to help member nations make the case for equity 👉 Communications strategies that spotlight female athletes and leaders
Less Talk, More Action
These playbooks aren’t just about good intentions; they’re about real-world impact. Whether you’re a club looking to build an inclusive program or a national federation shaping the future of the sport, the message is clear: gender equity isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Download the playbooks today and be part of the change. Let’s break barriers, shatter ceilings, and prove that wheelchair rugby isn’t just for the toughest athletes, it’s for everyone. Because when we invest in women in sport, we don’t just transform the game – we change lives.
