Stoma Helpline We’re here 365 days a year, 9am – 10pm: 0800 328 4257
Stoma Helpline We’re here 365 days a year, 9am – 10pm: 0800 328 4257
Team Colostomy UK’s wheelchair rugby league squad, continues to go from strength to strength. As the team looks ahead to the 2026 season, we caught up with coach Tim Cree to hear about his journey into the sport, what coaching Purps on Wheels is really like, and what he’s most excited about for the year ahead.
For anyone meeting you for the first time, can you tell us a bit about your rugby league background and what attracted you to getting involved with Team Colostomy UK?
I got into rugby league through Team Colostomy UK. Living with a urostomy, there was very little information or support aimed at my age group after surgery. Being part of the Purps allows me to spread awareness, support others who’ve been through similar experiences, and help people understand what they can still achieve after surgery. It’s all about empowerment.
As a team that doesn’t train together regularly and mostly comes together on match days, what’s your approach to coaching in a set-up like ours?
Because most of our players don’t train regularly as a team, we rely on those who do have more experience. Many of our players have played the running game before, so they already understand the basics. On match days, my coaching focuses on chair skills for newer players and building awareness of how the wheelchair game differs from the running version. Above all, encouragement is always in abundance.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
This year I’m really looking forward to seeing both our existing players and new recruits progress. We’ve come a long way since the team first started, and every year we improve. Some of our players have even gone on to play outside of the Purps – myself included – and seeing that progression, alongside the enjoyment people get from the sport, is what makes it all worthwhile.
On match day, what can players expect from you on the side-lines – quiet encouragement, tactical chats, or plenty of enthusiasm?
The most important thing on match day is that everyone enjoys themselves, whether we win or lose. There’s no blame – just encouragement. Tactically, we focus on keeping things simple and sticking to the basics. And, of course, we always make sure we have fun!
If you could sum up your hopes for the team this season in one sentence, what would it be?
With last year’s captain having moved away, my hopes are centred on seeing our new captain grow into the role and watching the whole team continue to improve together.
Fancy coming along to a game. See our updated fixture list here
