By David Gold

Will Groulx_June_1June 1 - The United States Paralympic wheelchair rugby team for London 2012 has been selected following a training camp in Birmingham, Alabama.


The camp took place at the Lakeshore Foundation, following which 12 players and three alternates were chosen by head coach James Gumbert.

The US will be hoping to defend its Paralympic title this summer, but is sure to face a strong challenge from Australia.

The Australians were beaten by the US in the final in Beijing four years' ago, as well as in the gold medal match at the 2010 World Championships.

"The team we selected, from top to bottom is a great example of the very best the United States has to offer," said Gumbert.

"Our expectations are to play to the highest level of rugby possible.

Seth McBride_June_1
"The US has a high standard and it's this team's desire to improve and play above the standards set before us.

"We are very excited to be able to compete on the international stage again, and we respect our opponents and look forward to playing against them."

Of those picked, Will Groulx (pictured top left), Andy Cohn, Scott Hogsett (pictured above, front), Seth McBride, Jason Regier, Nick Springer and Chance Summer were all part of the Beijing 2008 gold medal winning squad.

They are joined by Chad Cohn, Adam Scaturro, Joe Delagrave, Derrick Helton and Chuck Aoki.

Josh Wheeler, Delvin McMillian and Travis Anderson were named as alternates.

The US also won Paralympic gold in 2000 – the first time the sport appeared at the Games – and were bronze medallists in 2004.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]