New Zealand Wheelchair Rugby (NZWR) is pleased to announce the athletes selected to represent New Zealand at the 2024 WWR Paralympic Qualification Tournament taking place at the NZCIS in Upper Hutt, Wellington (20 – 24 March, 2024).

This is the first time New Zealand has hosted a major international wheelchair rugby tournament since the 2017 Asia Oceania Tournament in Auckland. 

The eight teams that will compete for the final three World WheelchaIr Rugby (WWR) Paralympic qualification spots are Australia, Canada, Germany, Brazil, Columbia, Switzerland, Netherlands and hosts New Zealand.

The Wheel Blacks look to bolster their squad by adding to the seven athletes selected for the recent ‘International Wheelchair Rugby Cup’ in Paris, France. For the first time in a long time the Wheel Blacks will have a full squad of 12 athletes.

The squad is led by the co-captains; world class 1.0 pointer Cody Everson (Christchurch) and the extremely talented dual international representative athlete Cameron Leslie (Whangarei). Recently being named ‘Halberg Para Athlete of the Year’, Leslie will be full of confidence leading this talented squad.

Maia Marshall-Amai (Auckland) makes her long awaited return to the black singlet. Maia made a name for herself in the sport as one of the best female players in the world and has the speed and strength to play a major role in the tournament. Maia has had an extended lay off from the sport but its great to see her recapturing form from her past to earn a Wheel Blacks recall.

The Wheel Blacks have a returning legend joining the team in Dan Buckingham (Auckland). Dan was a major contributor in the Wheel Blacks golden era which saw them win gold at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens. Dan has jumped back into a rugby chair and regained his passion for the sport. He brings his steely attitude, lengthy experience and competitive nature to the court which will be a major benefit for the Wheel Blacks in Wellington.

An exciting time in anyone’s sporting career is the first time they hear their name called to represent their country and that is what Jacinta Richardson from Otago will be feeling. Since starting in the sport three years ago Jacinta has rapidly acquired skill and hunger for on court action. Jacinta has made rapid progression from selection into the New Zealand Development Squad (2023), then joining the Wheel Blacks training squad. Jacinta will be looking forward to testing her skills against some of the worlds best.

The Wheel Blacks would like to thank the following sponsors for their ongoing support:

The Brand Makers (Uniforms)

Lynn River (Gloves)

Melrose (Equipment)

Wheel Blacks selected for 2024 WWR Paralympic Qualification Tournament

Ian Simpson 0.5 (Canterbury)

Gavin Rolton 0.5 (Wellington)

Gareth Lynch 1.0 (Auckland)

Cody Everson 1.0 Co-Captain (Canterbury)

Michael Todd 2.0 (Canterbury)

Robert Hewitt 2.0 (Waikato)

Nafi Lefono 2.0 (Auckland)

Cameron Leslie 2.5 Co-Captain (Waikato)

Maia Marshall-Amai 2.5* (Auckland)

Dan Buckingham 3.0 (Auckland)

Hayden Barton-Cootes 3.0 (Auckland)

Jacinta Richardson * (yet to be internationally classified) Otago

Support Staff

Gavin Rolton, Co-Coach

Robert Hewitt, Co-Coach

Yann Roux, Manager

Eleanor Harding, Video Analyst

Korral Heremaia, Support Staff

Freddie Duncan, Support Staff

Greg Mitchell, Mechanic

Megan Blair, Physiotherapist

Article added: Tuesday 12 March 2024