Wheelchair Rugby
Wheelchair Rugby was developed by three Canadians from Winnipeg, Manitoba as a quadriplegic equivalent to wheelchair basketball. The sport was originally called “Murderball” due to the aggressive nature of the game.
Wheelchair rugby is an intense, physical team sport for male and female athletes with quadriplegia (tetraplegia). The aim is to score goals by crossing the opposing team’s goal line while in possession of the ball. A volleyball is used and may be passed, thrown, battled, rolled, dribbled, or carried in any direction subject to the restrictions laid down in the rules. Kicking the ball is not allowed. The ball must be bounced at least once every 10 seconds and rugby is played in eight-minute quarters.
Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) conducts the National Wheelchair Rugby League (NWRL) and exists as a Sports Section of Wheelchair Sports Australia (WSA). For all information regarding competitions, rules and regulations, pathways, results and history please visit www.nwrl.sportingpulse.net
Latest News
2012 National Wheelchair Rugby Series
At the 2011 Wheelchair Rugby Workshop hosted by Wheelchair Sports Australia, the decision was made to focus on development and player participation for the 2012 National Wheelchair Rugby League.
In 2012, the League will change to become a development series (National Wheelchair Rugby Series - NWRS) to allow greater player participation and development opportunities. We are once again very excited about the upcoming season and are looking forward to a great year.
The 2012 Natioanl Wheelchair Rugby Series (NWRS) will incorporate two stand alone tournaments and oneNational Wheelchair Rugby Championships.
Tournament 1 - 2 -4 March 2012, Caroline Springs Leisure Centre
Tournament 2 - 25 - 27 May 2012, Brisbane Entertainment Centre
National Wheelchair Rugby Championships 29 June - 1 July, Venue TBC
For further information on the 2012 National Wheelchair Rugby Series please visit www.nwrl.sportingpulse.net
Or you can download the 2012 NWRS Entry Pack
The players are classified according to their level of functional ability and are assigned a point value from 0.5 to 3.5 points – the higher the points the more functional ability the athletes have. The four players on the court cannot exceed a combined total of 8 points. Female players are allowed an extra 0.5 points over and above the 8 points for the team.
Paralympic Results
For all Paralympic Results please visit www.paralympic.org.au
For more information on Wheelchair Rugby please contact:
Australian Paralympic Committee www.paralympic.org.au
NWRL www.nwrl.sportingpulse.net
International Wheelchair Rugby Federation www.iwrf.com