Three Leicester Tigers Wheelchair Rugby players shared in Great Britain’s European Championship title win at the weekend.
The GB team collected a sixth European crown with a squad which included Tigers players Nick Cummins, Jamie Stead and Gavin Walker, while manager Paul Shaw was supported by Tigers coaching staff Rob Tarr and Darren Matthews.
After qualifying for next year’s World Championships in Sydney with victory over France in the semi-finals, GB were the slight favourites for the final against Sweden, a repeat of the 2015 final which GB won by a single point.
The sides were level at 25-25 at half-time in the final which brought an end to a full week of action in Koblenz, Germany, before Britain nudged their way in front by the end of the third quarter to eventually won 49-41.
Gavin Walker was joined by Tigers colleague Adrien Chalmin, who plays for France, in gaining selection for the All Tournament team thanks to their performances over the week.
Players and staff will now be able to rest-up before the build-up to the new domestic season.
Nick Cummins said: "As reigning champions we were the favourites heading into the tournament. We knew that it would not be easy for us to retain our title and that we would be really tested over the course of the championships. For us to win the tournament has been a massive achievement and the highlight of my wheelchair rugby career so far. There is now a real sense of excitement on our squad about what we can achieve in the years ahead. We're definitely on an upward trajectory and there's no doubt that we'll be pushing for a place on the podium at the World Championships in Sydney next year."
Supported by The Leicester Tigers Foundation, Tigers will be hoping to build on last season’s fourth-place finish in the BT Super Series championship.
The Matt Hampson Foundation has been a consistent supporter of the Tigers Wheelchair Rugby Team and after the weekend win, Matt said: "We’re all really proud of all the Leicester Tigers wheelchair rugby team involved in GBWR's European Championship success. It's been a tough few months with the funding for the sport being cut but this is huge testament to everyone involved and a wonderful achievement."
Anyone interested in training, playing or being part of the volunteer staff with Tigers Wheelchair Rugby club should contact Agata Pryl by phoning 07704 045037 or email [email protected].
