With the Tokyo Olympics well and truly in full swing, the club’s wheelchair rugby Team GB representatives are readying themselves for the start of the Paralympics. 

Taking place from August 24, seven Tigers will be a part of the playing and coaching squad who will travel out to Japan.

Gavin Walker will co-captain the national side alongside Chris Ryan, with Tigers players Nicholas Cummins, Jamie Stead and Jack Smith also selected.

Leicester Tigers coaching duo Darren Matthews and Rob Tarr form part of Team GB head coach Paul Shaw’s management team, with club mechanic Jonathan Roach completing the Tigers representation. 

The team will take part in a training camp in the UK before flying out to The Games on the back of Team GB’s current Olympic successes. 

Rob Tarr, who has been involved with Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby since its formative years, is looking forward to competing on the world’s biggest stage.

“We’re proud of the Tigers selection and have been working towards this as a collective. To have a strong Tigers contingent just means that we can bring that club togetherness into the national squad.

Closer to home, LTWR will be looking to return to training ahead of a new season expecting to begin at the start of 2022.

“Obviously Covid-19 has massively impacted sport – but naturally there is a higher risk to some of our more vulnerable players. However, we’re excited about what the future has in store for us as a club. 

“We’ll continue to strive to progress and the experience of playing in Toyko will only add to our development ahead of a new season.”

Club partner Hafele will also continue to support LTWR into the new season as announced in October 2020.

Anyone interested in training, becoming a player or becoming part of the volunteer staff can contact David Needham on 0784 5809 340 or email [email protected]