Dragons Wheelchair Rugby team had a special visitor last week as preparations continued for the club’s big promotion push.
The club has enjoyed a strong season in the Allied Mobility Wheelchair Rugby Fives (WR5s) competition and sit in the top two in League One heading into the final round in Kettering this Saturday (July 12).
And ahead of the final tournament at Arena Sports-Kettering, Dragons RFC Head Coach Filo Tiatia went along to show his support for the team – and even have a go himself!
The Allied Mobility WR5s competition is the fives discipline of wheelchair rugby. It is an action-packed sport involving speed, full chair contact, hard hits, precision, physical determination, and teamwork, making it thrilling to watch as well as to play.
The league sees teams from around Great Britain compete across the Premiership, Championship, League One and League Two. Dragons currently play in League One, the third tier, alongside RGC, West Country Hawks, Saracens, and Endeavour Punishers.
Dragons are tied on 22 points at the top of the table, with RGC leading the way courtesy of a superior try difference, with four games this weekend to see if they can win promotion.
Tiatia spoke of his admiration for the players and the level of skill involved after his visit to Bowden Active Living Centre in Pontypool to watch training and even have a go at the sport himself.
“I really enjoyed it. I learnt lots and the kids were amazing in the junior session,” said the former All Black.
“It was inspirational meeting them all and getting them all together – it was awesome.
“I wasn’t any good at all when I had a go – absolutely hopeless,” he smiled.
“It took a little while just to get used to turning, but it was great fun. “My visit is a real gift from George Nott. I had conversations with him in around his connection to these guys and the wheelchair group.
“It’s nice to now come along and meet them all, learn more about the game and their stories. Good luck to them in the final round.”
Karen Hopkins, Dragons RFC Inclusion Officer, added: “It was great to welcome Filo to Bowden Active Living Centre for the evening.
“Filo supported the junior training sessions and games, really engaged with all the players to learn more about them and even got in a chair to have a go at the sport.
“It’s a real family feel group, and anyone can get involved, so we would encourage people to get in touch with us to discover more.”
If you would like to try Wheelchair Rugby, Dragons are always open to new players with a range of physical disabilities. For more information, or to get in touch, please email Karen Hopkins on karen.hopkins@dragonsrfc.wales or CLICK HERE
Head over to our Dragons TV YouTube channel to watch the video on shorts HERE
It’s nice to now come along and meet them all, learn more about the game and their stories. Good luck to them in the final round...
