The national team rebuilds momentum by re-entering the international stage with eyes on Paralympic qualification
After a decade-long hiatus, the South African Wheelchair Rugby (SA WCR) national team is gearing up to make a splash on the international stage once again. The team has recently been rezoned from the Asia-Oceania Conference into Europe Division C, joining forces with top-notch competitors from Norway, Finland, Ireland and Austria. This move marks a new chapter in SA WCR’s journey as they aim to make a lasting impact in the division and work their way up to Paralympic qualification.
WWR Europe Division C refers to the third division of the European Wheelchair Rugby Championship. It’s a developmental division, representing the starting point on the pathway for European teams aiming to compete at the World Championships and Paralympic Games.
The last time the SA WCR National Team competed internationally was at the 2015 Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge held in London, England, at the Copper Box Arena, playing against the likes of wheelchair rugby top eight heavyweights: Great Britain, Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan, France, and New Zealand.
The SA WCR national team is determined to leave its mark on Europe Division C. With a fresh perspective and renewed energy, the athletes are focused on showcasing their skills and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in wheelchair rugby. This high- intensity sport demands speed, strength, and strategy, making it an exhilarating spectacle for fans and a thrilling challenge for competitors.
National Coach, Gary Burnard, a professional biokineticist and coach of TUKS Wheelchair Rugby, is hard at work with a variety of high-performance training and conditioning measures to help the national side reach its full potential. This includes strength training, agility drills, and game-specific conditioning to ensure the athletes are physically and mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.
Europe competition loading
The 2025 WWR European Division C Championship event will be held from October 9 to 12 in Skien, Norway, at the Skien Fritidspark multi-purpose stadium. If successful in their aspirations to win the event, the SA WCR National Team will earn an opportunity to play in Europe Division B in 2026 – one league tier away from competing for Paralympic qualification.
“It’s a long and difficult journey to get South Africa to the Paralympics, but we are committed and training hard to get South Africa onto the world’s biggest stage for wheelchair rugby. We really do believe we can win Division C this year. We have the talent and the experience,” says Bennie Erasmus, Chairperson of SA WCR.
Veteran athletes return
A group of seasoned South Africa wheelchair rugby athletes are getting back in the saddle for national service, including Jared McIntyre, Okkie Anker, Clyde Holland, Bennie Erasmus, Bonga Khumalo, and Yolande Oosthuisen. These capped athletes bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the team, and their return will undoubtedly bolster the team’s chances of success.
Thriving national league
The SA WCR national league has experienced a major resurgence post-Covid, with energy levels skyrocketing as the prospect of international competition draws near. This renewed enthusiasm will undoubtedly translate to the team’s performances on the field, as they look to make a lasting impression on the European stage. Visit the SA WCR website to keep up with the national league schedule www.sacwr.co.za.
The SA WCR national team extends a special thank you to the Wiele 500 organisation for their invaluable assistance in securing sponsors. This support will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s success as they navigate the competitive landscape of international wheelchair rugby.
More help is needed! Help us to help our guys and gals in green and gold. If you want to get involved as a national team sponsor, please contact SA WCR at admin@sawcr.co.za.
