Yesterday evening saw key event representatives and players gather at the historic Cardiff Castle for the official 2023 Wheelchair Rugby European Championship (WREURO23) competition draw, with Josh Navidi, current Welsh rugby international, and Wynne Evans, Welsh singer performing the draw.
Also in attendance was Great Britain head coach Paul Shaw MBE, Great Britain wheelchair rugby player Stuart Robinson MBE, Welsh Government Minister for Social Justice Jane Hutt and representatives from local Welsh wheelchair rugby clubs who acted as flagbearers at the event.
Fixtures have now been confirmed for the event, which will take place at the Principality Stadium from 3-7 May 2023, with host nation and Paralympic gold medallists Great Britain facing off against first-time competitors Israel in the tournament opening game. As host nation, on behalf of the GB team, Paul Shaw selected pool B to play against Israel, Denmark and Switzerland. As reigning champions, France completed the final pool A line up, meaning they will face Germany, Netherlands and Czech Republic.
Commenting after the draw, Paul Shaw MBE said: “There was always going to be a transitional period after Tokyo – we didn’t win gold at the European Championship in Paris earlier this year but we’re ready for 2023 now, looking forward to it and really excited to be playing here in Wales. We’re looking forward to getting our own back against France!
“European teams are getting stronger and stronger not only on the European stage but also the world stage now, so we’re not taking anything for granted. We have to go into the tournament with confidence and get the result we need to qualify for Paris 2024.”
Adding to this, Stuart Robinson MBE said: “No matter the pool, this was always going to be a tough draw – after Paris earlier in the year, we’re raring to go and hopefully we’ll come away with a win next year.
“The Principality is such an iconic venue to play in too, for us to have the opportunity to go out there and perform in front of such a massive stadium and to bring some amazing teams over is incredible.
“After Tokyo, we have the eyes of the world on us as Paralympic champions – now we’ll be back on home soil with home support so hopefully we’ll get the opportunity to right some wrongs!”
David Pond, Chair of the WREURO23 Board added: “We’re tremendously excited. This event is everything I could have dreamed of, after a very competitive bid a couple of years ago. I always wanted to bring this event to Wales, so it’s going to be special, never been done before and the first time in a venue like this. I know the magic of the Principality and the magic of being in Wales will shine through.”
Tickets for the event go on sale today, Tuesday 13 December, at 2pm here – email subscribers will enjoy an early bird offer of 10% off ticket prices.
Find out more about the 2023 Wheelchair Rugby European Championship here: https://wreuro23.com/.
With thanks to Wheelchair Rugby via Conker Communications
