Wheelchair rugby 2018 Ones to Watch announced

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced the Ones to Watch ahead of the 2018 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship set to take place from 5-10 August in Sydney, Australia.

These are the players who have the potential to make headlines at the sport’s biggest competition outside the Paralympic Games. They include Paralympic and world champions, and their full biographies are available on the IPC website.

Carlos Neme (COL)

As a 1.5 athlete, Neme has become a solid player and leader on the court who is just as comfortable carrying the ball as he is setting picks for his teammates.

Chuck Aoki (USA)

One of the nation’s top 3.0-classified players, Aoki is the backbone of the US squad that finished second at the 2016 Paralympics and third at the 2014 Worlds.

Daisuke Ikezaki (JPN)

Veteran remains one of the focal points on the Japanese team that won its first Paralympic medal in the sport with bronze at Rio 2016.

Maia Amai-Marshall (NZL)

Regarded as one of the toughest female players in the sport, helping her side take silver at the Worlds Qualification Tournament in April and with it a place in Sydney.

Ryley Batt (AUS)

Four-time Paralympian remains arguably the sport’s best player and was a huge reason why Australia have claimed gold in the last three major events.

Stefan Jansson (SWE)

From starting his own club in Sweden in 2006, Jansson has helped the nation remain one of the strongest in Europe, including medals at seven of the last eight regional Championships.

Trevor Hirschfield (CAN)

His excellent knowledge and defence make him one of the most dangerous low-point players on the court. Hirschfield was co-captain of the Rio 2016 team that just missed the podium.

Thomas Moylan (IRE)

Burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old and was named Most Valuable Player at the 2015 European Championships, before leading Ireland to gold at the Worlds Qualification Tournament.