Team GB Set for BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge

Team GB prepare for their first real test ahead of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. David Ironmonger previews the event at the Copper Box Arena.

2015 has already been a fantastic year for Rugby as a sport. The Rugby World Cup is currently taking place alongside the ever present Six Nations and Rugby Championship. But Wheelchair Rugby is its own style of game that’s been described as pulsating, terrifying and even ‘brutal.’

Taking place from 12th – 16th October, the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge brings together the World’s best teams from the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Paralympic gold medallists Australia return to the Copper Box, alongside silver medallists Canada and bronze medallists USA. Hosts Great Britain look to capitalise on home support, while New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and France also have their eyes on victory.

Key to Success

Team GB go into the event with all the confidence and motivation they need after being crowned European Champions earlier this year.

Performance Director for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR), Lorraine Brown, said: “Our recent Gold medal win at the European Championships means we have qualified for the Paralympic Games in Rio, so this is a really exciting time for GBWR.   The BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge enables us to play the very best teams in the world and provides valuable preparation for Rio 2016.”

The nations have been split into two groups of four with the top two teams progressing to the semi-finals. Team GB will face tough opposition in the likes of France, Japan (who are ranked above them) and the current World Champions, Australia.

Experience in a major tournament is always seen as a key to success, and Team GB will have plenty to call upon from Alan Ash, who is celebrating his 20th year as a wheelchair rugby player. Ash started his international career back in 1995 playing in the first ever World Wheelchair Rugby Championships in Switzerland.

Group two features the big North American hitters with four-times World Champions America and one-time Champions Canada both vying for the top spot. Both teams feature two of the world’s best rated players. Zak Madell has helped Canada consistently reach finals as an explosive player, while Chuck Aoki is a finesse machine for the Americans.