It is the latest good news for Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR), winners of an historic Paralympic Games gold medal at Tokyo 2020.

Britain has claimed victory in the last three consecutive European Championships, including in 2019 in Vejle when they beat the hosts Denmark 55-45 in the final for their seventh title. 

The eight-team event, due to be held at the iconic rugby venue Principality Stadium in Cardiff from the May 3 until 7 in 2023, will act as a qualifier for Paris 2024.

The top two teams will automatically qualify for the Paralympic Games.

Community engagement and legacy were essential components of the winning bid and will form an important element in the lead-up to, during and post the tournament. 

The intention is to build on the development work of GBWR and the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to ensure a meaningful legacy with the tournament organisers working closely with the Welsh Government, Cardiff City Council and schools.

The event will be supported with grants from UK Sport, the Welsh Government and GBWR, and with partner support from the WRU, Cardiff City Council and Disability Sport Wales.

An Event Delivery Board chaired by David Pond, the former chief executive of GBWR and who led the team to the gold medal at Tokyo 2020, will be responsible for delivering the European Championship.

"It’s hugely exciting to have the opportunity to bring the best of European wheelchair rugby to Wales and showcase the incredible sport and its athletes in one of the world’s iconic stadiums," Pond said.  

"Wales and the city of Cardiff was selected for the event because the passion and joy the Welsh show for all sport is infectious.

"Over a million people tuned in to watch GB win the gold medal in Tokyo, here is the chance to see the game live with all of its adrenaline and drama - a big thanks to all of the partners, who are helping to make this happen."

The Event Delivery Board will also include former Wales rugby international Rupert Moon, Welsh gold medal-winning Paralympian swimmer Liz Johnson and Jim Roberts, a member of Britain’s team at Tokyo 2020.

"What a time for wheelchair rugby," said Roberts.

"I was honoured to represent GB in Tokyo this summer and to return home with a gold medal was amazing. 

"Now to have GBWR showcase such a major event in my home country is just fantastic and I have no doubt that this is going to be brilliant for the sport I've spent so much time involved with. 

"I don’t believe there is anywhere more passionate about rugby than Wales and our world-class stadium will showcase wheelchair rugby at its very best. 

"I am passionate about promoting the game and will be fully behind the community engagement planned as we aim to leave a true and lasting legacy in Wales."

Cardiff is due to host the next edition of the Wheelchair Rugby European Championship Division A from December 4 until 12.

Paris, meanwhile, is scheduled to stage the 2022 edition of the World Wheelchair Rugby European Championship Division A tournament.