28th March 2023
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) has announced the 11 athletes who will represent our host nation at the 2023 Wheelchair Rugby European Championship from 3-7 May.
Featuring seven of the athletes who took gold at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the squad is a mix of experienced well-known athletes and emerging talent looking to make their make on the world stage.
The athletes going for gold on home soil will be:
Stuart Robinson (3.5)
Aaron Phipps (3.5)
Jamie Stead (2.5)
Gavin Walker (2.0)
Kieran Flynn (2.0)
David Ross (2.0)
Coral Batey (2.0)
Nick Cummins (1.5)
Jack Smith (0.5)
Daniel Kellett (0.5)
Jonathan Coggan (0.5)
Jonathan Coggan is the most decorated member of the team; this will be his 10th European Championship. Commenting on his selection, he said:
“I’m really happy to be selected, this is a strong, dynamic team and I’m very proud to be part of it. Cardiff is not only a chance for us to qualify for the Paris Paralympics but being able to compete in the UK really will be special. Not only for our friends and family, but all our supporters, clubs, and everyone within the wheelchair rugby community. I can’t wait for the competition to start.”
David Ross will make his European Championship debut, having first represented GB at the 2022 Canada Cup, and the team welcomes back Coral Batey, who had a break from playing international wheelchair rugby and last represented GB at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.
Leading the team is Head Coach Paul Shaw, who has been at the helm of the GB wheelchair rugby program for over a decade. Under his guidance, the team has gone from strength to strength, winning medals at major international competitions, including gold at the Toyko Paralympic Games.
Commenting on the selection GB Head Coach Paul Shaw said:
“First of all, I’d like to thank every athlete for their dedication over the last few months and the work they have all put in to be in a position to be selected. It was a very tough decision for us to pick the final team for this championship.
“Now we’ve completed selection, I’m very excited what this team can achieve. We know that the competition will be tough but are confident we will be competitive and challenge for the top positions, and ultimately gain an automatic place in Paris next year.
“I look forward to seeing friends and families in Cardiff supporting us.”
There’s still time to grab your tickets to watch Great Britain as they look to regain the European title and secure qualification for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Tickets start from just £10 for adults and £1 for kids.
Book your tickets here.