Rugby is one of the UK’s most popular sports, with thousands of people regularly participating in the sport. In recent years, rugby has also become increasingly popular amongst disabled people and many clubs have been formed. The RFU (Rugby Football Union) has pledged support to new clubs and teams in a bid to make sport more inclusive and encourage people of all backgrounds, races and ages, as well as those with disabilities to get involved in sport.

Wheelchair rugby: what does it involve?

Wheelchair rugby is played on a basketball court, with each team having four players. Players must pall the ball to each other and carry the ball over the opposition’s goal line. Contact between the chairs is allowed but physical contact between players is prohibited. Players use a white ball, which is exactly the same size and shape as a volleyball. The game is played over four eight minute quarters.

Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced, high energy game, which is fun to watch and play.

Wheelchair rugby at the Paralympic Games

Wheelchair rugby was first introduced to the Paralympic Games in 1996 in Atlanta, but this was only as an exhibition sport. The first medal competition was held at the Sydney games in 2000.

Who can play wheelchair rugby?

Wheelchair rugby can be played by both men and women with upper and lower limb disabilities. The disabled sport is open to people of all ages and abilities and there is an increasingly large number of clubs and teams forming in the UK every year.

How can I get involved?

The number of clubs and teams is increasing in the UK but not every town has a club yet; if you want to find out about teams in your area or you want to find out more about the sport, you can contact Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby Limited or look for details of local facilities and teams using an online search engine.