Leicester Hosts Thrilling King Power Quad Nations Wheelchair Rugby Final

- Japan crowned King Power Quad Nations Champions at Leicester’s Morningside Arena
- They beat Great Britain 53-51 in the final after a thrilling match in front of a record crowd
- King Power have been the title sponsor of the event for two years
- The event is the latest commitment by King Power to bring world-class sport to Leicestershire

In front of a record ‘murderball’ crowd at Leicester’s Morningside Arena, World Champions Japan edged out Great Britain by just two tries in the end, and took the crown with a 53-51 victory.

With the game looking evenly matched throughout, Great Britain ended the first half two tries up before a series of errors in the third quarter allowed a composed and clinical Japanese side to wrestle back control of the game.

The Japan team, who won the World Championships for the first time in Sydney last summer, showed their experience by holding out for the victory despite an incredible effort from Great Britain in a brutal and thrilling contest.

A record number of wheelchair rugby fans attended the three-day tournament at Leicester’s Morningside Arena, which also saw France take bronze and Canada come fourth. Alongside the tournament, Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby was able showcase its commitment to building wheelchair rugby communities and participation with both junior and women’s events taking place.

This year’s tournament is the second with King Power as title sponsor and is the latest commitment from Leicester City’s parent company to bringing world-class sport to Leicestershire – with work currently progressing on the Club’s new training ground in north Leicestershire.

David Pond, Chief Executive Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby said: “It was a great tournament. the athletes enjoyed it, those who came to watch had fun, and I know from talking to them that many found their perceptions of disability turned upside down – just as many of the chairs were!

“We could not stage an international tournament of this standard without significant support and I am grateful to the local sponsors, the volunteers and of course the hundreds of spectators who bought tickets and came along to support it.

“I also want to personally thank the family of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha and King Power for being the title sponsor for the second year running. It’s been a very tough year for both and I’m humbled that they have still found time to commit to our event.”

The tournament was also visited by a delegation from the Japanese city of Kitakyushu led by its Mayor Mr Mr Kenji Kitahashi. The city of Kitakyushu will provide the training camp for the Great Britain ahead of the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge in October and the Paralympic Test Event and Paralympic Games in 2020.

For more details visit: www.wrquadnations.com