Under the leadership of the Canadian coach, Sweden booked their place at the Games due to their second place finish at the 2015 European Championship in Pajulahti.

Despite a 49-48 defeat in the final to Britain, Sweden’s thrilling 58–57 semi-final victory over Denmark had seen them claim one of the two berths available in Finland.

By contrast, the home nation were only able to claim one victory at the tournament, overcoming Belgium 50-46 in the seventh and eighth place play-off.

Both nations were relegated to the second division as a result.

Ireland’s withdrawal from the qualification tournament for the Rio 2016 saw the Finnish team receive a berth in the six-team event.

It coincided with the employment of Jussi Immonen and Osku Kuutamo as the new national team head coaches in February, with the duo having experience in basketball coaching and wheelchair curling respectively.

With the pair lacking experience in coaching wheelchair rugby, they are to receive the support of Labrecque, who led Canada to World Championship bronze in 2006 and Paralympic bronze at Beijing 2008.

“With 20 years of experience in wheelchair rugby, I will try my best to help Finland in the qualification tournament and give the new coaching staff as much info as possible,” said Labrecque.

“All the opponents in Paris are really strong and they all have a better ranking than us.

"We are not one of the favourites but we will try to do our best and see what we will have for results.

“Finnish players already know how to play wheelchair rugby, it is more what to do and when to do it.”

The Finnish team will face the challenge of London 2012 bronze medallists United States, Denmark, Germany, New Zealand and hosts France in the qualification event.

The final two Paralympic berths will be decided at the close of the tournament, which is being held from April 16 to 22.

London 2012 Paralympic champions Australia, Canada, Brazil, Britain, Japan and Labrecque’s Swedish team have already qualified for Rio 2016.