Exeter’s Westcountry Hawks Wheelchair Rugby Club lands big sponsorship deal

A local wheelchair rugby club that’s transforming lives across Exeter and East Devon has secured a major sponsorship, enabling more disabled people to access the fast-paced sport right here in the city.

Westcountry Hawks Wheelchair Rugby Club has launched a new weekly training session at Wonford Sports Centre every Saturday morning, thanks to support from recycling company Rock Solid Processing, whose UK headquarters are based at Hill Barton Business Park near Exeter. 

The sessions run alongside the club’s existing Monday training in Plymouth and make the sport more accessible to players across the region.

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The new Exeter training has already drawn new players, including Royal Marine Commando veteran and Invictus Games athlete Ray Lowrie. After suffering a severe ankle injury in Norway and later losing his leg, Ray said finding the Hawks has been life-changing. “The game’s amazing. It’s great to have that camaraderie, we feel like a team – or more like a family. It's a good bunch.”

For many of the players, the benefits go beyond sport. Exeter-based player Charlie Radclyffe, who was injured 20 years ago, said joining the Hawks has helped him reconnect. “I love the physical and tactical side of it, but it’s the connections that are really nice. I hadn’t really connected with other people like I can now through the Hawks.”

Jesse Evans from Exmouth said that wheelchair rugby has improved his physical and mental health more than he ever expected: “Exercise is key for my health, but also managing pain and mental health. The friendships and bonds are really strong, something I haven’t had before. Being surrounded by others with disabilities you are seen as equal – it’s really refreshing.”

With 40.8 per cent of disabled people classed as inactive compared to 20.7 per cent of non-disabled people, according to the Activity Alliance, access to adaptable, community-led sport is crucial. 

However, the costs involved can be a major barrier, making sponsorship essential for clubs like the Hawks.

Rock Solid UK Business Director Mark Wederell said the company is proud to support the team: “Enabling disabled men and women from all backgrounds to have access to organised sporting activity, dynamic team spirit, improved mental and physical welfare opportunities and the friendship of fellow players and coaches is a goal we firmly stand behind.”

The Hawks say the Exeter sessions are open to anyone with a permanent physical disability – you don’t have to be a wheelchair user to take part. 

Sessions are held every Saturday from 11:30am to 1pm at Wonford Sports Centre, and new players are encouraged to get in touch in advance.