GBWR Junior Wheelchair Rugby

GBWR’s junior wheelchair rugby programme offers an opportunity for young people to play regardless of ability and even if you are not near a local club – find out more about our exciting relaunch here!

Read on to find out if you can be a Junior Crasher, the rules of the junior game, what parents and players have got to say about the programme, our Junior Steering Group and more!

You can also keep up-to-date with the programme on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Can I be a Junior Crasher

If you have a physical impairment, you are able to be involved in our national programme and attend regular GBWR led training sessions on a monthly basis. You could be eligible for the Paralympic discipline of our sport, but also wheelchair rugby fives and we would support you in your playing development and participation even if you do not have a local club to attend regularly.

The junior programme welcomes players with a wide range of physical disabilities – our current GB team includes players with a range of disabilities and you can find out more about the team here.

If you are interested in the junior programme and want to become a GBWR Junior Crasher, contact our Junior Programme Development Officer, Jamie Higgins.

What are the rules of the junior game?

A summary of the rules are outlined below:

  • There are two teams, and they play on a basketball court – you have to stay within the edges of the court
  • There are five players on each team
  • Each half is 8 minutes, so a full match is 16 minutes
  • The team that scores the most tries wins the match
  • You can score a try by carrying the ball over the try line, which is between the two cones at the end of the court
  • When your team have the ball they have to score a try in 40 seconds, otherwise the ball is given to the other team
  • When you have the ball you have to bounce it or pass it in 10 seconds, otherwise the ball is given to the other team
  • You’re allowed to crash into another player’s wheelchair, but only on the front half of the chair
  • You’re not allowed to touch another player or another player’s chair with your hands or arms
  • You’re not allowed to take the ball from a player on the other team

Here you can read or download the full rules of the junior wheelchair rugby programme.

Success Stories

If you’re undecided on playing wheelchair rugby, here is some feedback from participants of the junior programme:

It’s not just the players that have good things to say, here is some feedback from parents too:

GBWR Junior Steering Group

We are starting a junior steering group, where our junior players can be involved in giving their views on the programme and shape the future of junior wheelchair rugby. Designed to give players a voice in supporting the development of junior wheelchair rugby and to recognise the wants and needs of young players, our steering group would share:

  • Personal knowledge
  • Skills
  • Information on being safe
  • How to be an active part of your club and the sport nationally.

Any young players interested in representing junior wheelchair rugby through the steering group or being a representative for their club, should contact Jamie Higgins to register their interest. This can be supported by a parent or club coach.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Where can I play?

    Use our Club Finder tool to find clubs offering junior programme opportunities near you.

  • How can I stay safe?

    Find out more about GBWR’s safeguarding practices, to understand how we keep young young people safe in our sport.

  • Do I classify for the GBWR monthly junior sessions?

    If you have a physical disability that impairs your physical ability, you are eligible to join our monthly sessions. You can find details of when these are held on our events page here.

  • Do I require an official classification to take part in the junior programme?

    Players participating and playing in the junior programme alone do not require classification to participate. Players that are eligible to play through the fit to play process for the Paralympic discipline of the sport would go through the classification process through their club’s request.

    A classifiable player for the Paralympic discipline of the sport would need to have a physical impairment in three limbs as a minimum.

    Wheelchair rugby fives players are eligible with any physical impairment.

  • What is the fit to play process?

    Junior players that meet the minimum age criteria for Paralympic discipline of wheelchair rugby or wheelchair rugby fives can at request, complete a fit to play assessment through their clubs to allow them to be involved in the adult game. This consists of assessing both some physical ability as well as basic knowledge of the sport and safety guidance, to ensure that the young player is able to participate at an older level safely. Players eligible for the Paralympic discipline can be assessed to train and play competitively at the age of 12, whereas young players eligible for wheelchair rugby fives can be assessed to train at 14 years, but can only be assessed to compete at 16 years.

  • Do I need GBWR membership to be involved in the junior programme?

    Junior players can access up to four taster sessions at a local club with no need for a GBWR membership. After they have completed four taster sessions, junior players will require a membership to continue training within their clubs and to participate in national junior sessions and events. Juniors wishing to participate in any of the national training sessions or events will be required to obtain their membership ahead of attending any of these sessions.

    GBWR offer two different junior memberships, summarised below.

    Junior Programme: players aged 8 to 17 years inclusive, for training with junior clubs and participation in junior festivals, leagues and national sessions.

    Junior: players aged 12 to 17 years inclusive, for training with adult clubs and participation in the adult leagues in all disciplines.

    You can find more details on our memberships via the memberships page here. All players with a junior membership are also required to complete a parental consent form which will be uploaded to their membership profile.

  • Do I need my own rugby chair to take part in the monthly national sessions?

    No, you do not need a chair to participate, however, please ensure you notify the event organiser that you require a chair for participation when registering for a session. If you have a club chair that you are able to bring, then please feel free to. This means we can potentially engage more young players in each session.