Author: Editor Prime

The round robin stage has been completed here in Tokyo, Japan for the 2023 World Wheelchair Rugby Asia Oceania Championships.

After 3 days of competition, it is the hosts, Japan, who will go into the Gold medal match as favourites having gone undefeated throughout the tournament. Lead by their front players Daisuke Ikezaki and Yukinobu Ike, they will be looking to send off head coach Kevin Orr with a tournament win. Orr, who lives in the USA and has been commuting in his time as Japan’s coach, announced the day before the start of the tournament that he would be stepping down from the role.

Australia have played well all tournament and have lead their matches against Japan for at least half of each of them but have made costly errors towards the end of their clashes that has proved costly. They will be pleased that they have had some close games against New Zealand to run different line ups.

New Zealand have had some good performances at times, but have been let down also by errors at critical times. Given they pushed Australia and Japan at times in all their matches against these opponents, there is certainly some positives for the Kiwis.

Korea came into the tournament in a rebuilding phase, and had an unfortunate disruption just prior to the tournament, which meant that they didn’t have their ideal team look they had wanted. After consulting with WWR and JWRF, the decision was made by the Koreans to forfeit their second matches against the other 3 teams. Instead, exhibition matches were played under WWR rules, including the official result of these matches being 1-0 to Korea’s opposition. They will however, officially compete for bronze tomorrow against New Zealand. None of the forfeited matches determined any placings.

Matches on the final day of competition (times are in Japanese Standard Time) –

Bronze medal match 12:15pm New Zealand vs Korea

Live stream links
English commentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dplst1RG5xw

Japanese commentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj_VreF9YyY

Gold medal match 2:15pm Japan vs Korea
English commentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9eDRhJNSNCg

Japanese commentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeHgZ649jdA

29^th July sees the 10^th edition of Asia-Oceania Championships (the first 4 editions were known as Oceania Championship), taking place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. This is the first time since 2019 the Championship has been held, after the 2021 edition in Auckland, New Zealand, was cancelled due to the COVID19 Pandemic.  

4 countries will be competing – Japan (hosts), Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea, with the winner taking the solitary automatic spot from the region for the 2024 Paris Paralympics. The 3 countries that are left from these championships, will have the choice of competing at the last chance tournament for the Paralympics, to be held in April next year, at a venue to be confirmed.

Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation have said they are looking forward to hosting this event 2 years after hosting the wheelchair rugby tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Australia come into these Championships having won the last 2, defeating Japan both times and are looking at building on their legacy in this sport. Japan won the Championship last in 2015, having defeated Australia back then in Chiba, Japan; while New Zealand’s solitary win at the Championships has been in 2005 which were held in Brakpan, South Africa. South Korea come in to this tournament, looking for their first medal, with their best finish being 4^th that they have achieved 4 times in their 5 attempts at the champs.

There are 3 countries that have already qualified from Europe for Paris Paralympics 2024 – France (hosts), Great Britain and Denmark.

All matches will be live streamed to YouTube –

English commentary – https://www.youtube.com/@worldwheelchairrugby6250/streams

Japanese commentary – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOe-EdwWb1n51c4-UEzNS_A

Photograph: Megumi Masuda/World Wheelchair Rugby

WWR are excited to announce that Shae Graham has accepted the role of Athlete Representative.
Shae has competed at the highest level including gold medallist at the recent World Championship in Denmark where the “Steelers” raised the cup as World Champions. Also competing at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Shae commented “I am excited to work with the WWR Athlete Council to create an effective Athlete voice that represents what the players want to see in and around the sport. Ultimately, I took on the position to support and promote the voices of the Athletes in our sport. It’s also a great opportunity to grow both personally and professionally and it provides me with an opportunity to learn more about how WWR operates.”

WWR President Richard Allcroft said “I’m really pleased Shae has accepted the role after carefully considering and discussing it with her peers. The Athlete Council is an important part of our organisation and we need to make sure it can be more effective in its role, acting as the athlete voice.”

As the Athlete Representative, the position will act as Chair of the Athlete Council. It is also an elected position and therefore is also a Board Director able to influence and act directly at the highest level of leadership in the organisation.

As the position was left vacant at the previous General Assembly, the WWR Board have co-opted as an interim appointment. The position will remain as such until the next General Assembly, where elections can take place.

Shae’s role was also supported by the WWR National Member Organisation for Australia.

As part of WWR’s ongoing improvements to its governance, the Board revised the WWR Code of Conduct and approved the framework that will deal with its implementation and all disciplinary matters and appeals through a newly formed Independent Judicial System.

As such, we are looking for suitable individuals with a legal background and individuals who have experience in classification and anti-doping.

The closing date for applications is 9 June 2023

The Independent Judicial Panel

This is the first occasion that WWR will comprise the Independent Judicial Panel from which Judicial and Appeal Committees will be drawn by the Independent Judicial Chair, Susan Ahern to hear all cases or appeals referred to it under the  WWR Regulations, rules and policies.

• The Regulations can be found on the website under the “About WWR” section.
• A role description sets out the criteria against which proposed Judicial Panel Members will be considered.
• An application form is available to download.

WWR are looking to identify and appoint individuals with the requisite experience. Panel members are divided into two categories: Legal Member and Specialist Member.

• Legal Members are appointed to chair hearings and lead reviews or investigations
• Specialist Members are appointed as wing members, to undertake investigations and to contribute to reviews

Judicial Panel members are also assigned to the thematic panels covering the following areas:

• Appeal Panel
• Classification Panel
• Anti-Doping Panel

An implementation date of 1 August 2023 has been targeted and to meet this, one of the important matters to deal with is to recruit and appoint independent panel members so that they can be called upon to act on behalf of the sport globally.

If you have any queries as to the suitability of an individual please contact WWR on the email address – judicial@worldwheelchair.rugby

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Day 4 of the World Wheelchair European Championship’s at the Principality stadium – During the first match, we saw the pressure start to kick in during a fierce competition between Netherlands and Israel. Half-time showed a tight score of 28- 20 to Israel, leaving the gap at only 2 points difference. Both teams were feeling the pressure but more determined to win then ever, however Netherlands managed to keep their point lead winning with a final score of 63- 36.

The second match saw the battle between a strong Switzerland side and a pumped up Czech Republic side. The floor was on fire during this game, as the players were shredding up their wheels to win the points, leaving Switzerland with 57 points and Czech Republic with 34 points at the final whistle.

Game three- Semi-Final 1 saw the intense clash between Great Britain and Germany, whereby Germany fought hard to beat the undisputed Great British legends. Both teams were fired up and ready to go to win this match for the finals tomorrow, leaving with scores of 28 Great Britain and 23 points Germany at half time. Overall, Great Britain won the match with a total point score of 56 to 42 Germany. Germany have made their way through the competition, securing a place in the Bronze Medal Match, as well as Great Britain moving on to the Final for the Gold Medal against France.

Then showed Semi Final 2, the almighty clash between France and Denmark. The much anticipated clash between two legendary teams, including defending champions France. France and Denmark were equally matched at half time, as they managed to score 32 points by France and 28 points by Denmark. As the game commenced into the second half, we saw France take the lead and leave the points scored at 60 – 49 points Denmark. We will be fortunate enough to see Great Britain vs France meet in the finals tomorrow. Leaving Germany vs Denmark in the Bronze Medal match game.

The last match saw a strong fought battle between Israel and Czech Republic. Tension and determination were high between both teams. At half time, Israel led with a 10 point difference, with a score of 28-18. After consistent points being scored throughout, Israel maintained their leading ways, leaving the final score at 52-38 to Israel!

Day 4 Results

Match 13: Netherlands 63 V Israel 36.

Match 14: Switzerland 57 v Czech Republic 39

Match 15: Semi-Final 1- Germany 42 V Great Britain 56

Match 16: Semi- Final 2- France 60 V Denmark 49

Match 17: Israel 52 up v Czech Republic 38

Day four Schedule- Sunday 7th May

Match 18: NED V SUI – 09:00

Wheelchair Rugby Judgement Day – Dragon’s V Ospreys

Match 19: Bronze Medal Match- GER v DEN- 12:00

Match 20: Final- GBR v FRA – 15:00

Medal Ceremony – 16:30

WHERE TO WATCH:

www.worldwheelchair.rugby/news/2023-wwr-european-championship-live

https://www.youtube.com/@Channel4Sport/streams

Day 3 of the World Wheelchair European Championship’s at the Principality Stadium – We kicked off the day with a mighty competition between Switzerland and Israel. What a fantastic game it was! Half-time showed a tight score of 23 – 18 to Switzerland. Both teams were as determined as ever to win, but Switzerland managed to keep their point lead – Winning with a final score of 50 – 46!

The second match showed the audience glued to their seats as the Czech Republic and Netherlands battled to take the win. The Netherlands showed up with their usual mighty wall of defence, and won the game with 66 points , leaving the Czech Republic with 34 points at the final whistle.

Game three started with remembrance of Bernard Lapasset. He was former president of French Rugby Federation, and Chair of World Wheelchair Rugby. WWR president Richard Allcroft lead a moving tribute, whereby the audience held an applause. Shortly after, we saw the clash between France and Germany, whereby Germany fought hard to beat the undisputed French champions. Overall, France won the match with a point score of France 63 – 39 Germany.

Then came the almighty clash between Wales V England in the long anticipated Celebrity Match, of course, taking place in the heart of Welsh Rugby – The Principality Stadium! Wales took the lead with the score of 7 to 2 with England at half time. During the second half, England fired up with fighting spirits to gain points against a strong Wales side. Despite England’s efforts, the game ended with a score of Wales 12 vs England 8.

Finally, our last game of the day ended with Great Britain vs Denmark  – The much anticipated clash between two of the arguably strongest teams about! Great Britain and Denmark were equally matched, which displayed an outstanding performance overall. Both sides were strong and the audience were going wild, as they watched the two teams scoring turn by turn, leaving the the half time score at 29- 21  Denmark. As the wheels were burning and the atmosphere was buzzing, Great Britain took the lead and scored 52 points, leaving Denmark with a respectable 45.

As many of you will agree, Day 3 lived far past our expectations around excitement, support, and outstanding performances! We cannot wait to see what Day 4 has in store for us…

Day 3 Results

Match 9: Switzerland 50 vs Israel 46

Match 10: Czech Republic 34 vs Netherlands 66

Match 11: Germany 39 v France 63

Celebrity match: Wales 12  v England 8

Match 12: Great Britain 52 vs Denmark 45

Day four Schedule – Saturday 6th May

Match 13: NED V ISR – 09:00

Match 14: SUI v CZE – 13:00

Match 15: Semi-Final 1- GER V GBR – 15:45

Match 16: Semi- Final 2- FRA V DEN -18:00

Match 17: 5th Semi-Final 1st Runner up v 5th Semi-Final 2nd Runner up- 20:00

Where To Watch:

https://studio.youtube.com/video/Pcuh30raOpQ/livestreaming

www.worldwheelchair.rugby/news/2023-wwr-european-championship-live

https://www.youtube.com/@Channel4Sport/streams

(Photo Credit: Gareth Everett)

We have joined the rugby world in paying tribute to Bernard Lapasset, former president of French Rugby Fédération and chair of World Rugby. WWR president Richard Allcroft lead a moving tribute, which was followed by a moment of applause in the stadium.  

Bernard will be remembered as one of rugby’s great leaders, devoting his life to growing all aspects of the game including the development and promotion of wheelchair rugby.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.

(Photo Credit – Gareth Everett)

We opened our second day of the competition with Israel V Denmark, and what a game it was! Half time showed a tight score of 33-27 to Denmark, where Denmark managed to keep their point lead, winning with a final score of 68-43! 

Next, we saw Great Britain take the reigns against a strong physical Switzerland side, leaving the half time score at 24-18 to GBR. After a strong fought battle, Great Britain managed to maintain their winning streak, and come away with a final score of 47-31! 

For the penultimate game of the day, defending champions France went head to head against a fast pace, ready for war Czech Republic side, where France grasped a strong head start, leaving the half time score at 29-12! After a strong start, France maintained their winning ways, leaving the final score at 24-67! With two games won out of two games played, France safely secured themselves a place in Saturday’s semi-finals! 

Our last game of the day saw Germany take on the mighty Netherlands side, leaving the score at 48-54 in the day’s final match! Therefore, Germany managed to fight their way into a place in the semi-finals! 

A big congratulations to all winning teams, and we look forward to seeing you progress! After an action packed second day, we really look forward to what’s in store for Day 3 – and we hope you will join us!

Day 3 Schedule

Friday 5th May –

Match 9: SUI v ISR – 11:00

Match 10: CZE v NED – 13:00

Match 11: FRA v GER – 15:30

Celebrity Match – Wales v England – 17:30

Match 12: GBR v DEN – 19:30

WHERE TO WATCH:

www.worldwheelchair.rugby/news/2023-wwr-european-championship-live

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGUn2nHFgBQ

https://www.youtube.com/@Channel4Sport/streams

Day one of World Wheelchair European Championship’s at one of the most prestigious stadiums in the world – the Principality stadium – is completed! It is certainly safe to say, it was fantastic! The first game of the day saw Hosts Great Britain take on Israel in a sincere battle, where Great Britain took the lead and never looked back, pushing through to come away with a comfortable win! 

The second match brought a jaw dropping atmosphere between France and the Netherlands, with burning wheels on full display during their intense meet. France came through The Netherlands mighty wall of defence and won the game  52 – 43.  

Game three showed the clash between Denmark and Switzerland, and what a game it was! The action on court was red hot, as they faced off in the home of Welsh Rugby, with both sides eager to secure a win in the tournament. Ultimately, Denmark took the win with a score of 60 – 46.

Finally, our last game of the day ended with Germany vs Czech Republic – A high pace, eye catching game! Both teams competed with all efforts on full display, with Germany coming out on top leaving the score at 60-44.

After a fun filled day full of fast paced excitement and our Wheelchair Rugby stars, we can’t wait for what’s in store tomorrow! 

Day one Results

Match 1: Great Britain 55 vs Israel 32 

Match 2: France 52 vs Netherlands 43

Match 3: Denmark 60 vs Switzerland 46 

Match 4: Germany 60 vs Czech Republic 44

Day Two Schedule

Thursday 4th May 

11:00 Match 5: Israel vs Denmark 

13:00 Match 6: Switzerland vs Great Britain 

15:30 Match 7: Czech Republic vs France 

Pride Night In Association With Pride Cymru 

17:30 Match 8: Netherlands vs Germany 

Where to watch:

www.worldwheelchair.rugby/news/2023-wwr-european-championship-live

https://www.youtube.com/@Channel4Sport/streams

Starting from tomorrow, Europe’s top eight teams will go head to head battling for gold and the chance to qualify for Paris 2024 at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. This is the first time in history that the Wheelchair Rugby European Championships (WREURO23) has been hosted at this spectacular venue, seating over 73,000 spectators!

Host nation and Paralympic gold medallists Great Britain will face Europe’s top teams in clashes, collisions and historic rivalries as the tournament takes place on one of the world’s most famous sporting stages. Teams will compete for qualification spaces for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games and the title of European Champion.

For the intense, high-impact and full-contact Paralympic sport, the Principality Stadium will be transformed into a stadium within a stadium to create an arena atmosphere combined with the thrill of the famous home of Welsh rugby.

On Friday 5 May, the event will feature a star-studded Celebrity Match, with renowned athletes from the Wheelchair Rugby and Rugby World rubbing shoulders with well-known celebrity faces in a Wales v England clash of titans. Celebrities participating include Dirty Sanchez stars Mike “Pancho” Locke and Mathew Pritchard, former WRU player Dai Llewellyn and his Love Island star son Liam, as well as Made In Chelsea star Tristan Phipps and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE.

The grand finale of the event on Sunday 7 May will also bear witness to the very first wheelchair rugby Judgement Day, where two regional Welsh teams will go head-to-head to battle it out as soon as the first match of the day ends, rolling to pitch and tipping off in a day of back-to-back clashes and smashes.

Richard Allcroft, President of World Wheelchair Rugby, shares his excitement with everybody in advance of the tournament – I wish the LOC, volunteers our WWR Classifiers and Officials and all the Teams the very best of luck.   This will be a very special European Championships in one of the most iconic Rugby stadiums in the World.  I encourage everyone to either come down or watch the broadcast coverage available of some amazing Wheelchair Rugby.

We hope you are all as excited as we are! Below are the key links to all information around where to stay tuned, day by day schedule’s, and more!

Where to watch:           

WWR YouTube Channel

Click Here – https://www.youtube.com/@worldwheelchairrugby6250/streams

Channel 4 YouTube Channel

Click Here – https://www.youtube.com/@Channel4Sport/streams

Schedule          

Click Here – https://wreuro23.com/competition-schedule/

Tickets

Click Here – https://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/wheelchair-rugby-european-championship-tickets/artist/5402284