Northampton Saints’ first-ever international wheelchair rugby camp proved a huge success earlier this month, bringing together 20 players from Sweden, Norway and the UK for two days of coaching, development and collaboration.
The camp marked a significant milestone for Saints’ growing wheelchair rugby programme, with junior and senior participants, newcomers, experienced competitors and international athletes all training together in an inclusive environment.
Working alongside Uppsala Parasport, based near Stockholm, coaches from Saints Wheelchair Rugby delivered sessions designed to bring together players from both Wheelchair Rugby and Wheelchair Rugby 5s (WR5s), demonstrating how mixed-ability groups can train, learn and develop alongside one another.
The two-day camp also provided an opportunity for coaches to share knowledge and strengthen best practice across both forms of the game: the Paralympic four-a-side format and the increasingly popular Wheelchair Rugby 5s.
Saints Wheelchair Rugby Head Coach, Jamie Higgins, said: “The camp was designed to show how well-planned coaching sessions can engage mixed-ability groups, support individual progression and create opportunities for players from both disciplines to learn together.
“It was an amazing experience and a powerful example of what can be achieved when players from different countries, age groups and stages of development come together in an inclusive environment.
“Bringing together players from Sweden, Norway and the UK created a rich learning environment, where international athletes and experienced competitors trained alongside players who were completely new to the sport.
“Every participant was welcomed, challenged and encouraged to develop, regardless of their experience level.”
Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby is the elite, internationally recognised version of the sport, played four-a-side with strict classification rules to ensure all athletes have impairments affecting at least three limbs. It is the format used at the Paralympic Games and major international competitions, with mixed-gender teams competing under a points-based classification system.
Wheelchair Rugby 5s (WR5s) offers a more accessible and participation-focused alternative. Played five-a-side with broader eligibility criteria, it welcomes a wider range of physical disabilities and is designed to support participation, junior pathways and mixed-ability sessions. The format is increasingly being adopted by community clubs and national programmes as a key route into the sport.
“Working alongside Ricky Rimmer and the team at Uppsala Parasport was a fantastic experience,” Higgins continued. “By combining our coaching knowledge and experience, we were able to create a positive learning environment and ensure every player remained fully engaged throughout the programme.
“The success of the camp gives us a strong platform to build on. We are excited to explore future opportunities to work together and support the continued growth of Wheelchair Rugby, including the development of more opportunities for young players in Sweden.”
Richard Rimmer, Head Coach at Uppsala Parasport, added: “The camp brought together players from both disciplines, and Jamie demonstrated how players from each format can benefit from training together.
“It was great to welcome the Saints players to Sweden. They played a huge role in helping our younger participants feel comfortable, build confidence and develop throughout the camp.”