The pool allocation for the 2025 Wheelchair Rugby European Championship has been determined. Under the watchful eye of national coach Martin van Hinte (Team NL), Joep Pelsser (Gehandicapten Sport Nederland) and Peter van Veen (Director of Sport and Social Facilities of the Municipality of The Hague), the official draw took place in The Hague on Thursday afternoon, March 13.
The Hague focuses on parasports events
During the draw, Peter van Veen emphasized The Hague's ambition to further profile itself as a host city for parasports events. “The Wheelchair Rugby European Championship is a next step in organizing parasports events in the Netherlands. We want to give athletes the opportunity to fully participate in society and the sports world,” Van Veen said. He also said he wanted to create more awareness around parasports, such as wheelchair rugby.
Group format for the 2025 Wheelchair Rugby European Championship:
Groep A:
- Poland
- Denmark
- Great Britain
- Switzerland
Groep B:
- Sweden
- Germany
- France
- The Netherlands
Reaction of national coach Martin van Hinte
National coach Martin van Hinte reacted positively to the grouping of the Netherlands. “I am happy with the result. Last night I looked at all possible scenarios and this was exactly what I was hoping for. I am very happy,” Van Hinte said. Still, the national coach acknowledges that it will be an uphill battle. “It will be a tough tournament. Our goal is to win two games. If that succeeds, we will really take steps forward again. Ultimately, we want to keep developing and eventually compete at the Paralympic Games.”
Opening match
The exact playing schedule for the Wheelchair Rugby European Championship 2025 will soon be announced on this website. What is already certain is that the Netherlands will play the opening match on Tuesday, April 22 at 19:30 at Sportcampus Zuiderpark in The Hague