Paralympics: Wheelchair rugby stars predict tight tournament

By Beau Greenway Wheelchair rugby standouts Ryley Batt of Australia and Zak Madell of Canada anticipate Rio 2016 to arguably be the most evenly-contested tournament in the sport’s history. The two sides met at the London 2012 finals, with Australia winning Paralympic gold for the first time in their wheelchair rugby history. Two years later, Australia again proved to be the strongest of the two in the World Championships final. But since then, the top-four rankings have shuffled. Australia enter Rio 2016 as world No. 2, while Canada are the No. 4 ranked nation. But it will count for little when wheelchair rugby competition begins on 14 September at the Carioca Arena 1. They have been drawn in the same pool and will meet on 16 September. Madell reflected on Canada’s disappointing fifth place finish on home soil at this year’s Canada Cup, but said the team did not let it get to them. It gave them a chance to analyse Australia ahead of that September meeting. “It was the fi
Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Continue reading this story for free

Create a free account to continue reading and get more of Rugby News' top stories directly to your inbox.

Or, subscribe for unlimited access



error: Content is protected !!