FOUR wheelchair rugby teams took part in a tournament on Saturday at Pontypool Active Living Centre.
It was organised by the Dragons Wheelchair Rugby team, who are based in Torfaen. They invited the Ospreys, the Worcester Warriors and the Taunton Gladiators to take part.
Ieuan Coombes, head coach at the Dragons, told Cwmbran Life: “This is the first installment of Wales and West Development League. It’s an opportunity, actually it’s a really important part of our programme. It’s a chance for new and less experienced players to get their first taste of wheelchair rugby.
“The aim is to try and get people as much experience and as much time on the court. It’s probably one of our proudest days because some of the players are making their first starts. As a coach, it’s really pleasing.
"Even for me as an experienced player, to play in front of your friends and family is really good, particularly for the new players in the team. Because our leagues tend to be centrally located in the UK, we don’t often play at home.”
Mr Coombs spoke about the benefits that players get out of being part of a wheelchair rugby team. He said: “I think the social side of it is massive, the chance to make friends, meet new people. But also the physical benefits. It is a sport with lots of skills involved, catching, throwing, pushing, and tactical play.
“If you’re new to wheelchair rugby, you probably miss the tactics that are involved.
“I think the biggest thing and the thing I’m proudest of with our squad is how family-tight we are. It’s probably the thing that makes me most happy but we want to win as well, of course.”
In the final, the Ospreys beat the Dragons 25-11. Taunton Gladiators beat the Worcester Warriors 21-11 in the third versus fourth match.
The Dragons trained at the Bowden Active Living Centre in Trevethin every Thursday from 6pm to 8pm. New players are always welcome.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here