Can I Play Wheelchair Rugby? Who Can Play and How to Get Started
If you’re wondering “Can I play wheelchair rugby?”, you’re not alone.
Every week, people across Great Britain discover wheelchair rugby for the first time. Some are looking for a new sport, others want to get fitter, meet new people, compete, or simply be part of a team.
The good news is that you don’t need experience, your own sports wheelchair, or an understanding of classification to get started.
Ready to Give Wheelchair Rugby a Try?
Find your nearest wheelchair rugby club and book a free taster session today.
Most clubs provide sports wheelchairs, equipment and support for new players, making it easy to get started.
Your first step is simple: find a club and give it a try.
What Is Wheelchair Rugby?
Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced team sport that combines elements of rugby, basketball and handball. Players use specially designed sports wheelchairs to pass, carry and score with the ball while working together as a team.
It’s a mixed-gender sport played by people with physical disabilities and offers opportunities ranging from local club sessions through to international competition and the Paralympic Games.
Women and girls play alongside men and boys throughout wheelchair rugby, with additional development opportunities available across the pathway. #ThisGirlCan
People play wheelchair rugby for many reasons:
- To get active
- To improve fitness
- To meet new people
- To build confidence
- To be part of a team
- To compete
- To have fun
Who Can Play Wheelchair Rugby?
The Paralympic version of wheelchair rugby is designed for people with permanent physical impairments that affect both their arms and legs.
In most cases, players will have limitations in at least three limbs that affect key wheelchair rugby skills such as pushing, catching, passing and ball handling. Eligible conditions can include:
- Spinal cord injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Spina bifida
- Limb deficiency or limb loss
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury
- Other neurological conditions that affect strength, movement or coordination
Not sure if you’re eligible?
Don’t worry. You do not need to know your classification before attending a club session.
The best way to find out is to contact your nearest club and give the sport a try.
What Is Classification?
Classification is used throughout Paralympic sport to ensure fair and meaningful competition.
In wheelchair rugby, classifiers assess how an athlete’s impairment affects the skills needed to play the sport, including movement, strength, coordination, wheelchair propulsion and ball handling. Athletes are then allocated a sport class based on their functional ability.
Most new players don’t need to worry about classification straight away.
Start by enjoying the sport. If you decide to compete in the Paralympic version of wheelchair rugby, your club and GB Wheelchair Rugby can guide you through the classification process.
What If I’m Not Eligible for the Paralympic Version?
That’s where WR5s comes in.
WR5s helps more people access wheelchair rugby and supports the growth of clubs across Great Britain.
It is open to people with any permanent physical disability, creating opportunities for participants who may not be eligible for the Paralympic version of the sport while still enjoying the excitement, teamwork and competition that wheelchair rugby offers.
WR5s plays an important role in helping more people discover wheelchair rugby, join local clubs and become part of the wheelchair rugby community.
What Happens at My First Session?
Your first session is all about having a go in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Most clubs provide:
- Sports wheelchairs
- Equipment
- Coaching
- Support from experienced players
You don’t need any rugby experience.
You don’t need your own wheelchair.
You just need to turn up and be willing to give it a try.
Many players are surprised by how quickly they’re able to get involved in drills, passing exercises and game play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone play wheelchair rugby?
Anyone can attend a club session and experience wheelchair rugby. Eligibility for competition in the Paralympic version of the sport is determined through classification.
Do I need my own wheelchair?
No. Most clubs can provide sports wheelchairs and equipment for new players.
Do I need to be classified before playing?
No. Most people try wheelchair rugby long before going through any formal classification process.
What if I don’t qualify for the Paralympic version?
You may be able to play WR5s, which is open to people with any permanent physical disability.
How do I find a wheelchair rugby club?
Use the GB Wheelchair Rugby Club Finder to locate your nearest club and arrange a taster session.
Find Your Nearest Club
Whether you’re looking to get active, meet new people, compete, or simply try something different, there’s a place for you in wheelchair rugby.
You don’t need experience.
You don’t need your own equipment.
You don’t need to understand classification.
Find your nearest club, book a taster session and experience wheelchair rugby for yourself.
Ready to get involved? Use the GB Wheelchair Rugby Club Finder and start your wheelchair rugby journey today.
