Japan Claim Bronze at Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby

Japan, who are the current World Champions in Wheelchair Rugby, managed to claim a second consecutive bronze at the Paralympic Games by beating Australia 60-52 in the medal match.

Congratulations to the new Paralympic Champions Great Britain who claimed the gold medal, beating the USA 54-49 who picked up silver.

Image Credit: World Wheelchair Rugby

Japan was disappointed to lose their semi-final match against the eventual winners, GB, but put in a strong performance to deny the two-time defending Games gold medallists Australia on Sunday. It was only the second Games in which Australia failed to pick up a medal in Wheelchair Rugby and the first time since Athens 2004.

American Kevin Orr has been the Japan coach leading them to bronze at the 2016 Paralympics, and in 2018, helped Japan claim their first-ever world championship.

The Japanese team was led by captain Ike Yukinobu, who told The Japan Times “I’m really happy to be able to win a medal. It would have been terrible to come away with nothing.” The captain scored 16 tries.

Ace Ikezaki Daisuke scored 23 tries, the most among the Japanese squad. “Personally, I can’t honestly say I’m happy about it. Our aim was for the gold medal. But winning bronze was the best we could do, so it’s a good result.”

You can read more about the pools in our article previewing the Games.

Photo Credit: AP

Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby Results

Japan Wheelchair Rugby results:

• Japan 53- 51 France
• Japan 60-51 Denmark
• Japan 57-53 Australia
• Japan 49-55 GB (Semi-Final)
• Japan 60-52 Australia (Bronze Medal Match)

(Thanks to World Wheelchair Rugby for the live stream and results).

Rugby News 2021

• World Rugby Strategic Plan 2021-25.
• Growth of Rugby in Asia.
• World Rugby Women’s Strength and Conditioning Seminar 2021.
• New Rugby Tournaments to Watch 2021-2022.