At the midway point in the National BT Super Series Division One, the Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby team are on top of the league table.

The Tigers retained top spot with a strong showing in the second round of fixtures, during which we caught up with player Gary Scholes, who is enjoying his second season with the club, to hear more about the sport. 

When did you first get involved with wheelchair rugby?

“I first got involved about 18 months ago before the Rio Paralympics in 2016 and saw the sport advertised. I’d done powerlifting before in the British Nationals so I was keen to try out wheelchair rugby. I missed out on making the Rio Team GB squad but was proud with how far I got.”   

How has the Tigers Wheelchair Team done so far?  

“I joined last year and I’m loving it. The club is definitely improving all the time as the interest in the sport continues to grow so it’s great to be a part of it. All the training we put in is paying off and there’s even more competition for spaces.”

What makes wheelchair rugby a great sport to get involved in? 

“It’s the only contact sport for the disabled and I played rugby when I was out of school before my neck injury. As soon as I got into a rugby chair, it was like running again! 

“The speed and physicality of the sport, as well as the impact and ball skills needed, mean it’s a fast-paced sport. 

“I’ve been lucky enough to travel to countries around the world with Tigers and Team GB, so it’s definitely getting bigger.”

The Tigers Wheelchair team is back in action in the final week of the Super Series during February at Leicester Arena. 

Anyone interested in training, playing or being part of the volunteer staff with Tigers Wheelchair Rugby should contact Josh Black by emailing [email protected]