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Get Started in wheelchair rugby today!

The Australian wheelchair rugby family is always looking for new participants to jump in a chair and try out the sport. Whether you are someone looking to get involved with sport for the first time or a former athletes looking to re-engage, there is a pathway for you to get involved!

What is wheelchair rugby?

Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced, mixed gender sport that is open to participants of all ages with an impairment to their upper and lower limbs. It is the only full contact sport on wheels and combines elements of rugby, basketball, gridiron and handball.

Players compete in teams of four on a basketball or netball court to get the ball across the try line. Matches are usually played in eight-minute quarters and each team have 40 seconds to score a try once they have possession. Watch the video below for more info about the rules or click the link to learn more about the sport!

In order to play, all participants are required to have a sport class obtained through a process called classification. Learn more about classification here! Through classification, each athlete will receive a sport class from 0.5 to 3.5 (going up in 0.5 increments) with 0.5 athletes having greater impairment and 3.5 having the most function. Teams can only play a total of 8.0 points on court with their four athletes. Teams receive a 0.5 reduction for each female on court (i.e. if a team has 1 female on court, their total can increase 8.5).

Take a look at the FAQ below for all questions about how to get involved and start playing today!

Getting started? Your questions answered!

  • Wheelchair rugby is played in most major cities around Australia! Contact your state contact or WRA below to find your local program!

    If wheelchair rugby isn't available in your local area, we will aim to get you access to the closest program.

  • No! No experience is required to start playing wheelchair rugby. Each program across the country caters to all different ability and skill levels.

    When you join a wheelchair rugby program, coaches and support staff will help you understand the rules, equipment and game play!

  • Fantastic! There are a number of competitions available for every skill and ability level across the country.

    For most participants, the pathway to competing in wheelchair rugby follows the below:

    • Participation in trainings locally

    • Competing at a local / state social competition

    • Participation in Division 2 of the National League and National Championship

    • Selection for Division 1 of the National League and National Championship

    • Participation in the Australian Development Program

    • International selection

    More Pathway Information

    It is important to note that to compete in National competition, you will be required to undergo classification and receive a sport class. More info about this can be found below.

  • Athletes compete in manual wheelchairs which a made specifically for wheelchair rugby.

    If this is your first time playing wheelchair rugby, you will be introduced to the wheelchair rugby chair at your first session and be able to test one out. You will also learn about the other equipment needed to play, like strapping and gloves.

    The only other equipment needed to play wheelchair rugby is a basketball or netball court, four cones and a lightweight volleyball!

  • Classification is a unique and integral part of sport for persons with disabilities. The purpose of classification is to ensure fair and equitable competition at all levels of sport and to allow athletes to compete at the highest level, regardless of individual differences in physical function.

    Every wheelchair rugby player requires a classification and will undergo the classification process to determine their Sport Class. The process will be explained to you at your first session!

    Each player is given a points value after these tests which will range from 0.5 (lowest) to 3.5 (highest). The four players on court for a wheelchair rugby team must not exceed a total of 8 points.

    More classification information

  • Your best contact is your state lead below or if you're not sure where you want to play, you can contact the team at WRA.

    Email Us

State Programs

Ready to get started in wheelchair rugby? Contact your local contact below to learn more about where to play, equipment and classification!

If you are from Northern Territory or would like further information you can’t find above, please fill out the contact form below!