SA Wheelchair Rugby Team Inspiring Pride in Spain

Photo Credit: SA WCR (South African Wheelchair Rugby)

The South African wheelchair rugby team has officially begun its campaign at the WWR European Division B Championships in Spain.

Spain (28 May 2026) – After months of preparation, the time has finally come. The South Africa national wheelchair rugby team are proudly flying the South African flag in Spain as they compete at the WWR European Division B Championships and back home, there is already huge pride around what the team.

The tournament officially got underway with an energetic opening ceremony, with Team SA standing shoulder to shoulder with nations from around the world ahead of what promises to be an intense week of wheelchair rugby action.

But for many involved in the sport, wheelchair rugby has always been about far more than results.

Known for its physicality, speed and high-contact action, the sport continues to grow steadily in South Africa, with around 140 to 150 players currently involved across the country. And for many athletes, joining the sport becomes life-changing long before the first whistle even blows.

Players often speak about how powerful it is to arrive at training and see others with similar injuries living independently, driving, competing and fully embracing life again.

“It becomes more than competition. It becomes community,” the team shared.

The squad also received a special boost of motivation from Libbie Janse van Rensburg, who sent a message of encouragement as the team prepared for the tournament.

And while the matches now take centre stage, the team is already inspiring many South Africans simply through their resilience, representation and love for the game.