Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby
Basics
Wheelchair rugby was born in the 1970s in Canada. It quickly gained popularity and interest when the USA team exhibited the sport at Stoke Mandeville in Aylesbury
The sport appeared at the World Wheelchair Games in 1990 as an exhibition event and made it’s full Paralympic debut in Atlanta in 1996
The game is similar to able bodied rugby, fast, furious and tactical. A team of 4 players pass and move the volleyball around the court and have 40 seconds to cross the goal line with the ball. There are 4 quarters of 8 minutes in a match. Males and females both compete on the same team
The film ‘Murderball’ is a must watch for anyone. The film focuses on team USA’s journey to the Paralympic Games
Who can participate?
Wheelchair rugby is originally for athletes with spinal injuries that affect all four limbs, such as quadriplegics and tetraplegics. However, any athlete with a disability that affects all four limbs can play the sport which uses a classification system based on muscle function and strength. 0.5 is the least able player and 3.5 is the most able player. The four players on court cannot total over 8 points.
Where in the world?
Wheelchair rugby is a popular sport especially in USA, Canada, Australia and Great Britain. In Beijing 2008, GB finished 4th with USA winning gold.
What’s near me?
Wheelchair rugby is still an upcoming and developing sport. Currently there is a club in Scotland, one in Wales and eight scattered around England. You can locate your nearest club by visiting http://www.gbwr.org.uk/main/find_a_club.php
Further information
Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby
