Hellfire join Home Nations Squads – Canterbury Hellfire

The Wheelchair Rugby Paralympic discipline is strict on who can play it, and rightfully so, we need to protect that sport for who it’s made for. But, the vast majority of Wheelchair Rugby Players will never classify to play as they are simply not disabled enough. This is why Wheelchair Rugby fives are created, but until now there was never a route to be able to play National or Internationally for your country.

Sunday, 25th August changed that forever. Two teams of the very best Wheelchair Rugby players made the trip to Canterbury to join England Lions and Welsh Fury Wheelchair Rugby teams at Canterbury Christchurch University.

Finally, they are play wheelchair rugby 5’s at this event which was incredible!

In total seven Canterbury Rugby and Canterbury Hellfire members took part, each one earning their cap through their dedication and effort. Hellfire team captain, William Hopkins, was selected to captain a totally new concept in Wheelchair Rugby called the Open, because in another first able bodied players joined players with disabillies on court at the same time. The highlight of which was Ian and Jack Lloyd playing together in a sport they have coached for a long while but were never permitted to play competitively.

Canterbury players included William Hopkins (Captain for England Lions), Ian Lloyd (Coach for England Lions), Beth Miller, Sawyer Wright, Owen West, CRFC First teams Nathan Morris (playing for Wales) and Jack Lloyd (Captain for Wales Fury).

Canterbury Hellfire Chairman, Ian Lloyd, said To be able to say “my son has played for Wales” is something special. To be able to say “my son has captained Wales” is something that else. But, next to nobody other than me can say “I have played for England against my son, the Captain for Wales”?

Owen West said “I am very proud to have played for England Lions. I will never forget it”. He was supported by family including Shelley, his mother, who told us “My son representing his country in the sport he loves. My son…England team member and home nations champion…How many mums get to say that! I am beyond proud of him.”

To say it was an overwhelming experience is untrue, as I am still overwhelmed by the fact that I was given the chance to represent my country, even days later from the event, and months after the selections were made, I am still trying to make sense of such an honour being bestowed upon me.

Jack Lloyd

“It was an honour to be a part of history this weekend showcasing the love and talent in Wheelchair Rugby.

Thank you to all the sponsors and numerous people behind the scenes who made this event possible, without you it wouldnt have been what it was. You’ve helped to set us off on an International adventure and I know I speak for other players too in saying that we’re incredibly grateful for this opportunity”

Sawyer Wright

A huge thank you goes to all of the Sponsors of both Hellfire and the event for their amzing support and encouragement. A extra special thank you to Caroline Demetriou, Director of Sport at Canterbury Christ Church University for allowing us to take over the building and for hosting the first ever WR5 Home Nations Competition.