Reigning champions France retained their title as they beat Great Britain 55-49 in a classic final, while the British women’s team won their title. There was also time to fit in a Judgement Day style domestic battle between local rivals Dragons and Ospreys as a curtain raiser to the men’s final, which Dragons won 13-10.Â
With qualification for the Paralympic Games in Paris next year up from grabs, the five-day tournament was tense, tight and full of big hits and skill. The French had already qualified for Paris as the host nation, so Great Britain and third placed Denmark claimed the two other automatic places.Â
Britain are the reigning Paralympic champions and will now have a year to prepare to defend their title. The French had taken the European crown off them posts Tokyo, and it was anticipated the two team would end up in the final together. Â
In a thrilling final, it was 27-27 at the break before the French went on to win in the final two quarters to make it back-to-back final triumphs over the British.Â
“We got beat today – we didn’t lose. It was such a close game, with a few tiny errors making the difference,” said GB’s Aaron Phipps.Â
“It has been spectacular, the best Euros ever, and it has been amazing to be a part of it.  Playing at the home of rugby, having loads of supporters coming down, it has been absolutely huge. Seeing how far this sport has come is special.”Â
It was another first for Principality Stadium and stadium manager Mark Williams was delighted with how the event went, and the reaction of both the players from the seven nations taking part and the fans who came to the Welsh capital.
“We reconfigured the stadium to create a stage that was fit for this major event. On court the players were brilliant, so committed and skilful, while off it the fans were amazing,” said Williams.
“There was a huge buzz in the city for the five days and the final was so exciting. If this was a foretaste to what Paris can expect at the Paralympic Games, then it is going to be spectacular.”
