Japan has been an amazing trip with the Wheel Blacks. The tournament was just unreal, Japan really know how to put it on. It gave the team a real perspective as to why we have been training so hard for this latest wheelchair rugby campaign. We all want to be the best team in the world.

Being at the tournament, playing the best, has taught us a few things toward being much more competitive for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Unfortunately results didn’t go our way but we know the high standard we need for the Wheel Blacks to be competitive against these top ranked teams.

I am extremely proud of the guys and know that on returning to our regions everyone will be doing the work needed to get better - we have to train harder and smarter than our competitors to reach the top.

We, the Wheel Blacks, have amazing support staff. On behalf of the team, thanks to each of you for everything you did for the players during this trip. We couldn’t be here, in Japan competing with the top 8, without your great support.

Article added: 21st October 2019