Claudia Winkleman discovers why wheelchair rugby is ‘the great equaliser’

“Claudia spoke to everyone and was keen to get their stories and find out more about the sport,” said Stephen Jones. “She was fascinated by what we do, but more importantly why we do it and why National Lottery funding is so important to us.”

Claudia was accompanied by Huw, a National Lottery player and keen rugby player who was raised in South Wales. The former soldier couldn’t wait to get a taste of wheelchair rugby. Stephen said, “Huw really took to it – you could tell he was a rugby player. We’ve given him an open invitation to come back anytime he wants.”

Wheelchair rugby league was developed by French rugby league players in 2000 and introduced to the UK in 2005. The sport is played using lightweight wheelchairs and opponents ‘tackle’ each other by pulling a tag from another player’s sleeve. The highly inclusive game is played by both disabled and able-bodied people.

Stephen, 59, has Genetic Muscular Degenerative disease and has also been diagnosed with MERRF syndrome which affects the muscles and nervous system. But he does not use a wheelchair in daily life. He said, “The misconception is that all wheelchair rugby players use a ‘chair’ day to day, but we have disabled people, non-disabled people, people with limited movement, people with learning disabilities and people with invisible disabilities like me. You just need to sit in a wheelchair and have a go – the ‘chair’ is a great equaliser.”

He added, “We have 31 registered players. Some just come for fitness or fun while others want to play competitively. That’s the great thing about the club: You can come along to compete or just for a bit of ‘me time’ with people who won’t treat you differently. We don’t see the wheels, we don’t see the crutches, we see the person.”

During her visit, Claudia learned about the incredible difference funding made possible by National Lottery players has made to North Wales Crusaders RL and Disability Sports Club. Stephen said, “Without it [National Lottery funding] we’d probably only have one or two match-ready wheelchairs because of the hammering they get. We also wouldn’t have our purpose-built storage area that we need for all our equipment.”

Claudia visited North Wales Crusaders RL and Disability Sports Club in her role as The National Lottery’s newest ambassador. The beloved British television and radio presenter, known for her sharp wit, charisma and unmistakable fringe, is helping us support and celebrate the incredible difference National Lottery players make to communities across the UK.

Claudia is shining a spotlight on the life-changing impact made possible every time someone plays The National Lottery. It’s Because of You that amazing projects like North Wales Crusaders RL and Disability Sports Club can go from strength to strength. From funding grassroots projects to supporting the arts, heritage and sport, amazing things happen when you play The National Lottery.

North Wales Crusaders RL and Disability Sports Club is always looking to get more people playing sport. As a result, it’s hoping to offer wheelchair pickleball to people who want to get active, but don’t want to play a contact sport. Stephen said, “It’s [wheelchair pickleball] already quite big in America. We found out about it when we toured the US in 2024.”

Stephen said the club is still buzzing about Claudia’s visit. He added, “It was such an enjoyable day. To be able to show others what we can do with National Lottery funding is fantastic.”

17th November 2025