Author: Editor Prime

By Nathan Bragg for World Wheelchair Rugby

The Australian Steelers will have a new captain at the 2022 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship as two-time Paralympic gold medalist Chris Bond will lead Australia at his third World Championship.  

Getting into the game

Chris Bond grew up playing various contact sports, including rugby league. After becoming a quadruple amputee due to a rare form of cancer and a bacterial infection at 19, he took up swimming as a competitive and rehabilitative outlet. However, a chance meeting with Brad Dubberley brought Wheelchair Rugby into his life, leading to many incredible accomplishments.

“I was training in the gym (for swimming), and Brad Dubberly rolled in and saw me and said you look like you’d be eligible for rugby; I was like, rugby – what’s that? Let’s do it! If I can hit someone and get back into a team environment, I’ll sign up.” 

The sport grabbed Bond’s interest from his first time in a rugby chair.

“They invited me to one of their national team training camps in 2010, from the first time, just watching the training session and getting in a chair to give it a go – I realized this is a sport for me.” 

Finding Success

A quick study, Bond made the Australian team for the first time in 2011 and made his Paralympic debut in 2012. At the London games, he helped Australia win their first gold medal, and his partnership with fellow star 3.5 Ryley Batt emerged as a near-unstoppable force on the world stage.

 The Steelers would win their first World title in 2014 and then defend their Paralympic gold in 2016, winning 59-58 over the United States in what many consider the best game of wheelchair rugby ever played. 

Bond lists the 2016 campaign as his most outstanding athletic achievement so far. 

“There are many, but the biggest one is winning that gold in Rio.  We eclipsed our triple threat going Paralympics, World Championships, Paralympics . It was also the first time we played all of the other Top 5 teams to get there.” (Canada, Great Britain, Japan, and the United States). To play in what’s considered one of the best games of all-time and then win that double overtime was pretty special.” 

Chris Bond

A new role

Bond is taking on a new role this year within the team. After 11 years and over 200 caps, Bond will lead Australia as Team Captain in Vejle.

“The captaincy of Australia is a massive achievement and honor for my family and me. We’ve had some great leaders in Australia so there’s some big shoes to fill. We want to get back into that ruthless, hungry mindset, and the team thought I’d be a good person to drive that.” 

Chris Bond

Bond also adds that Australians enter the tournament in a slightly unfamiliar position. They missed the podium at the last Paralympics – and might be underdogs in Vejle. 

“Like every major event, we’re coming in to win it. It’s going to be different; some would say we’re coming in as underdogs, given that we haven’t won an event since Asia/Oceanias in 2019. It’s been a while since we’ve succeeded at the highest level. We’ve got excuses for that.  But we’re done with excuses now.”

Chris Bond

This year’s team features a mix of veterans and exciting new faces. Bond, Batt, and Andrew Edmonson are all established stars on the world stage, while new athletes like Emilee Miller and Paralympic wheelchair basketball convert Ella Sabljak could have exciting debuts.

“Our aim is to win and I think we’ve got the squad to do that. We’ve still got that core of players who have been there and played in big games and then we’ve got newer athletes giving us that lifeblood and energy as well.”

Bond has grown a lot since his career with the Steelers started. He’s become a husband, father, and business leader off the court and evolved into a star and leader on it. Though he’s gone from young gun to wise veteran, he’s still just as hungry for gold as he was in 2012. His leadership will be vital as Australia pursue victory in Vejle. 

Tipping off 

Find out if Chris Bond can lead Australia to their second World title next week in Denmark. The 4th-ranked Steelers are in Pool B alongside Japan, Canada, Denmark, Brazil, and Colombia. They open their campaign with the first-ever match against championship debutants Brazil.  

Australia’s Schedule

All Times in CEST

Day 2 – October 11
09:00 vs Brazil
15:45 vs Canada

Day 3 – October 12
18:00 vs Denmark

Day 4 – October 13
09:00 vs Colombia
15:45 vs Japan

Day 5-7 October 14-16
Crossovers (TBD)

World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) is the International Federation and governing body responsible for the sport of wheelchair rugby. WWR is a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the Association of Paralympic Sports Organisations (APSO), and is a sport partner of World Rugby – sharing a close and strong relationship.

We are seeking to appoint a new CEO. As an International Federation responsible for the sport of wheelchair rugby, we have seen growth since forming as an independent organisation in 2010.

This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to lead the next stage of wheelchair rugby’s growth and development. The successful candidate will have, amongst other attributes: experience as a strategic leader; growing a small business or organisation; excellent networking, interpersonal and social skills; good financial and commercial expertise.

The role is flexible, including working from home and with some international travel. A full job description can be found below.

The salary for this position is negotiable up to USD $60,000.

Please send a letter of interest including your curriculum vitae to office@worldwheelchair.rugby

Closing date for applications: Friday, 7th October 2022

Following shortlisting, successful candidates will be invited for interviews which will be conducted virtually using video conference facilities. Dates and times will be planned with individuals to ensure availability.

Richard Allcroft

WWR President

World Wheelchair Rugby are announcing the planned exit of the CEO, Steve Griffiths. Steve was appointed in April 2020 with the expectation of an 18 – 24 month tenure. It is a reflection of Steve’s character and work ethic that he has ended up moving on after two and a half years.

Steve was appointed during the start of an organisational restructuring with the overarching aim to make WWR a world leader in Para sport.

This was at the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic, ensuring that the majority of Steve’s time involved was achieved through operating virtually and remotely.

WWR President, Richard Allcroft said “there has been significant changes since Steve started in the role. One of these was creating a culture within WWR to empower our volunteer staff to deliver the operational plan by taking more responsibility and providing the appropriate authority to deliver projects within the sport. Our volunteers have phenomenal skills and are committed to wheelchair rugby and this change in culture has developed more capacity and empowered individuals to create new ideas and ways of working within the often difficult landscape of the Paralympic Movement.

On behalf of WWR, I would like to thank Steve for his commitment, energy and good nature when working on behalf of wheelchair rugby.”

Steve has been a long-time friend of wheelchair rugby, becoming involved over 12 years ago during his time at World Rugby as Head of Technical Services. Steve has delivered and facilitated strategic planning sessions during this time with the last one run as a consultant at Rugby House, Dublin in May 2019.

Steve said, “It has been an honour and a privilege to work with WWR for the last two and a half years with WWR in some difficult and on occasion challenging times. I would like to thank the President and the Board for their support. A special thanks to the volunteer Heads of function and the many people that support them in delivering a wonderful sport. Additionally, without the Members delivering the sport within their countries we would not have the quality competitions that so many admire, a big thank you. Remember Here to Win ……”

Steve will be moving on to focus on his retirement and consultancy work.

WWR is delighted to sell one rugby wheelchair sponsored by Vesco Metal Craft Inc. to support the WWR Hall of Fame. By submitting your binding interest as the 1^st individual, you get a high-performance Vesco Rugby Wheelchair that the majority of elite players worldwide trust Worldwide.

The set price is at $6.000 USD, which is a brilliant price and no doubt worthy for a sports wheelchair that enables you to play the most entertaining sport in the Paralympic Program. By participating in this auction, you directly fund the WWR Hall of Fame and allows them to induct individuals with outstanding achievements in the sport of Wheelchair Rugby.

– First come, first served –

The Vesco Rugby Wheelchair has a value of around $10.000 USD and is customized to your specific measurements provided by the individual within 30 days after WWR receive the bid. Vesco Metal Craft Inc. will build the wheelchair and have them ready for shipment to the End User no more than 90 days after receiving a specification which meets the requirements from the End User. The wheelchair includes the following standard features and options (included in the sale price):

• Offensive OR Defensive Frame
• One pair (Two Wheels) of Spinergy SLX sports wheels
  • End User’s choice of Vesco Offensive, Defensive, or Mid-Point spoke guards

• End User´s choice of the following features:
  • Heavy Duty Frame
  • Heat Treating
  • 5/8 Frame upgrade
  • Ergo Seat
  • Flared Seat Back Tubes
  • Seat Back Height less than 10
  • Heavy Duty seat back tubes
  • Seat width – extra wide (16.5” – 20”)
  • Tapered Seat Bottom
  • EZ Transfer-Flat side rail
  • Stepped Wings 20/11 CM
  • Aluminum Weld on Clothing Guards
  • Rear Guard
  • Basher Bar
  • Smooth
  • Heavy Duty Flat High Picker Upgrade
  • Shin Protector
  • Heavy Duty Footplate Frame with Gussets
  • Footplate Heel Holders, Pair
  • Footplate Foot Spreader Standard
  • Bracket Mounts for ratchet straps on footplate
  • Hip Ratchet Strap – 12″/16″/20″
  • Foot Ratchet Strap – 12″

Upon purchase, the End User may request the following optional features which will be provided at the End User’s expense. The cost of these options will not be included in the base price of the wheelchair:

• Ball Holder, Removable
• Standard Flat High Picker
• Heavy Duty Flat High Picker
• Custom Footplate
• X Brace (for frames with NO footplate)

Vesco Metal Craft Inc. will arrange shipping for the completed wheelchair to the End User and will pay the costs of shipping within the 48 contiguous US states and Canada. If the End User´s location is outside of the north American Territory, the wheelchair can be delivered to WWR World Championship in Vejle, Denmark. The end-user will then be responsible for any further shipping costs or their attendance to collect the chair.

The end user can make their own arrangements for shipping directly with Vesco at their own cost. Due to the Pandemic the end user should be aware that the cost is likely to vary depending on the final destination.

To purchase email office@worldwheelchair.rugby supplying your full name and contact details including the address where the wheelchair will be delivered.

Yours in Sport

Garett Hickling

Chairperson WWR Hall of Fame Committee

Act of Disclosure for Unforeseen Circumstances:

The contractor is not responsible for any delay caused by natural disaster, war, civil disturbance, labor dispute or other cause beyond Contractor’s reasonable control, provided Contractor gives written notice to the End User of the cause of the delay within 60 days of the start of the delay.

To download the full set price auction document click here: https://worldwheelchair.rugby/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/220803-Hall-of-Fame-Vesco-Set-Price-2022-1.pdf

WWR is delighted to announce Rodney Holt has been appointed as WWR Regional General Manager for Asia. Rodney is based in Bali and has represented both Bali and Indonesia at Rugby having been named Bali Sports personality of the year in 2007.

He is the Founder of Bali Sports Federation (now known as BSF Asia) he promotes the development of disabled youth through sports throughout Southeast Asia.

He has been

Vice Chairman – Special Olympics Indonesia 2016-2020

Vice President – International Wheelchair Rugby Federation AOZ SEA 2015-2020

Secretary General – Timor-Leste -ASEAN ParaGames 2017 Kuala Lumpur

Manager – Cambodian Wheelchair Basketball Team – Asian ParaGames – Jakarta 2018

Steve Griffiths WWR CEO and Secretary General stated that he is delighted that someone with such a celebrated history of developing sport for persons with impairments has agreed to work in a voluntary capacity with WWR in the Regional General Management team.

Kathy Newman WWR Director of Competitions and Development added; “We are delighted to welcome Rodney Holt as the WWR Regional Manager for Asia.  Rodney brings a wealth of experience in para sport development in Asia.  We are looking forward to working together to support and grow the region”.

The Japanese Wheelchair Rugby Federation are pleased to announce that the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium will host the 2023 Asia-Oceania Championship tournament.

Event information:

Dates: June 29 (Thursday) – July 2 (Sunday), 2023 (total 4 competition days)

Venue: Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium (1-17-1 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0051)

Participating Teams: Japan 4 to 6 countries (To be confirmed)

Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation (JWRF) said: “This Championship will be an important event for the Asia-Oceania region to compete for the 1 slot to qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The event will also be a legacy event for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, and we plan to provide an environment in which fans can watch the heated games through event planning and others more than ever before.

Tim Johnson, WWR Head of Competitions and 2023 Technical Delegate: “Having performed the role of Technical Delegate at the 2015 Asia-Oceania Championship, also in Tokyo, I am confident this will be very well organised and extremely enjoyable for all. This includes athletes, team staff, officials, volunteers and most importantly for those that will be involved as spectators.  Wheelchair Rugby is a great sport and well supported within Japan.  I look forward to the competition commencing and overseeing what will no doubt be a fantastic and successfully run event”

Steve Griffiths WWR CEO and Secretary General said: “It is great to see that the legacy from the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games continues and we know that that the Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation will deliver a first-class competition as they always do”.

Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Wheelchair Rugby Quad Nations! Three days of hard hitting action are set to take place from 16-18 September 2022 at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff. This highly anticipated launch into the Welsh sporting scene. Acts as the curtain raiser for the 2023 WWR European Championship, to be held at the iconic Principality Stadium in Cardiff the home of Welsh Rugby.

The Quad Nations – which will be a key preparation event ahead of October’s WWR World Championship in Denmark which will see top GB Paralympians as well as athletes from France, Germany and Canada battle it out in the four-team international tournament.

Great Britain fresh from The World Games Low Point and Tokyo Paralympic Gold will be committed to claiming a victory in the Quad Nations after France snatched the European Championship title in February 2022, whilst Canada and Germany will be keen to follow up their respective successes in recent tournaments.

Speaking ahead of the event, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Chief Executive Officer Jason Brisbane commented: “Hosting the 2022 Quad Nations in Cardiff is a hugely exciting move for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby and we’re absolutely delighted to be able to host these four elite teams this September. The Quad Nations is always a highly competitive event with last year’s behind-closed-doors competition playing an invaluable role in helping Great Britain to prepare for the Tokyo Games.  

“These events, building to a crescendo of the European Championship next year, are sure to inspire people and create a true legacy for the sport, raising it to new heights through its sheer energy, passion and competitive force. I really hope that the rugby-loving fans in Wales will show their support and get behind this incredible sport and the amazing athletes competing. Cardiff is the perfect setting for these two iconic events, with a rich legacy of passion for rugby which we really hope to build on.”

Richard Allcroft, President of World Wheelchair Rugby stated “Wales is a truly great Rugby nation and what better place to bring some of the best wheelchair rugby athletes in the world, than its capital city of Cardiff. The Quad Nations will be a great event to promote our sport and attract the interest of those highly valued volunteers as well as what I know will be some vibrant spectators. “

Tickets are available here: https://www.ticketline.co.uk/wheelchair-rugby-quad-nations#bio

Be the first to hear all the latest about the 2023 WWR European Championship here: www.wreuro23.com

Day 4 of low point wheelchair rugby at The World Games began bright and early as each nation had its last chance to secure a victory, and for some, a World Games medal. The day started with an exciting matchup between Switzerland and USA – a rematch from the evening before. Switzerland got the tip, but USA’s Joel Rodriguez was the first to score. It was a back-and-forth battle in the first few minutes as teams exchanged goals. Two early turnovers by USA looked to give the advantage to Switzerland, but a standout offensive performance from Joel Rodriguez, Mike DeYoung, Ryan Engelby and Matt Milstead gave USA a 9-6 lead to end the first quarter. Adrian Moser and Christian Hahnel attacked the second quarter with two quick goals, narrowing the American’s lead to one. Switzerland continued to work and wear down the Americans, and the second quarter ended USA 17, Switzerland 16. Switzerland began the second half with possession and was able to get a quick try from Andreas Brandli to tie the match 17 all. USA had a turnover on the following possession allowing Switzerland to take the lead. Switzerland increased their defensive pressure in the full court which flustered the Americans and caused more turnovers. With three minutes to go in the third quarter, momentum began to shift to the Americans. Switzerland had multiple turnovers and a penalty, which allowed USA to tie it up 23 all with 1:15 to go in the third. Switzerland, as usual, remained calm and focused on its passing and recorded key tries from Patrick Gosteli and Andreas Brandli to take a 25-23 lead to end the third. In the fourth, the Swiss defense pinned Joel Rodriguez in the back court to force the other three Americans to handle the ball. This gave Switzerland an advantage, and they maintained their three-point lead. With less than two minutes to go, USA extended its defensive pressure and caused a 12 second violation followed by a quick try to make it a one-point game. Swiss followed up with a final try from Adrian Moser, and they were able to run out the clock and win 34-32.

It was anticipated to be a close bronze medal match with the speed of Canada’s offense against the precision passing and scoring of Germany. Germany got the tip, and Robert Teichmann was the first to score followed quickly by Canadian Patrice Dagenais. Tough full court defensive pressure from Germany caused Canada to call a timeout early. Both sides used their speed to press up in the full court but Germany was still able to connect their passes and make it across the try line. It was try for try and turnover for turnover through the first half of the quarter, but Germany ended with an 11-8 advantage. In the second quarter the German offense began to cross smoothly up court and convert multiple tries for Thomas Schuwje and Teichmann. The German defense locked down the Hirschfield/Dagenais offense and outscored the Canadians 11-6, taking a 22-14 lead into the half. The third began with a new look for the Canadians – Maxime Drolet-Gauthier, Eric Rodrigues, Hirschfield and Dagenais – but Germany stuck with their starting four. Turnovers continued to plague any offensive momentum the Canadians could create, and Germany claimed the victory and bronze medal with a 44-30 win over Canada.

The final match of the tournament saw undefeated Great Britain take on Japan. GB got the tip, and Myles Pearson was off to the races with the first try. Japan started with a slightly different line of Tomoaki Imai, Hidefumi Wakayama, Seiya Norimatsu and Kae Kurahashi. The British applied intense defensive pressure, and Japan struggled to inbound the ball and recorded a turnover before their first try. Nick Cummins was plastered on Seiya Norimatsu throughout each offensive possession which made it difficult for Japan to get in an offensive groove. Defense was the name of this game. Finally, Japan tallied its first try four minutes into the first quarter. Takayuki Norimatsu came in toward the end of the quarter to infuse some offense, but GB’s stifling defense had everyone on lockdown, and the quarter ended with GB up 7-4. Japan came out in the second quarter with a burst of speed and offense from Tomoaki Imai and Hidefumi Wakayama. Meanwhile, Nick Cummins and Myles Pearson continued to put on an offensive clinic and never allowed Japan to catch back up, ending the first half with a 16-11 lead. The third quarter started without the Norimatsu brothers, but Wakayama and Hitoshi Ogawa kept the offense moving. Pearson and Cummins answered every Japanese try with a British score and ended the third up 28-17. Takayuki Norimatsu and Team Japan gave a valiant effort in the fourth quarter to get back in the match, but the dynamic team play from Ryan Cowling, Daniel Kellett, Sam Dickinson and Nick Cummins was too much to overcome, and the match ended with an emphatic 35-23 gold medal win by Great Britain.

Day 4 Results

• Match 1: Switzerland 34, USA 32
• Match 2: Germany 44, Canada 30
• Match 3: Great Britain 35, Japan 23

• Canada 2-4
• Great Britain 6-0
• Germany 4-2
• Japan 4-2
• Switzerland 2-4
• USA 0-6