Wheelchair Rugby Variants
Outside of the traditional Paralympic wheelchair rugby discipline, a number of wheelchair rugby variants exist aiming to increase participation. See below the different variants available and how to get involved!
low point wheelchair rugby
Low Point Wheelchair Rugby is aimed at creating a competition for players with a low point classification only (0.5 - 1.5), allowing them to take on both offensive and defensive roles on court.
In Low Point Wheelchair Rugby, the maximum classification points of any individual athlete must not exceed 1.5 and the total number of classification points on court at any one time must not exceed 3.5. As with regular Wheelchair Rugby, a 0.5 classification point allowance is made for every female athlete on court.
All rules and classifications are the same as the Paralympic discipline of wheelchair rugby.
Photo Credit - Megumi Masuda
Photo Credit - Kelly Barnes
Womens wheelchair rugby
Whilst wheelchair rugby is a mixed sport, we are always looking to grow female participation. In order to engage more female participants, a women’s only version of the sport is being rolled out globally. With the success of the Women’s Wheelchair Rugby Cup being held annually in Paris, there is growing opportunity for female participation at every level of our sport.
With rules and classifications the same as the Paralympic discipline, this allows female athletes an alternative pathway to represent Australia on the world stage.
Photo Credit - Megumi Masuda
Photo Credit - Joep Buijs
wheelchair rugby 5’s
World Wheelchair Rugby has recently released its playing guidelines for Wheelchair Rugby 5’s, aimed at encouraging expanded participation in the sport.
Mimicking the success of T20 in cricket and 7’s in Rugby Union, 'Fives' is an alternative version of traditional wheelchair rugby, opening our great game up to the thousands of people who have always wished to be able to participate at a competitive level.
Game rules are the same, except there is 5 players on each team rather than the traditional 4, with matches also played in 2 x 12min halves rather than quarters. Classification to compete in 'fives' differs from traditional wheelchair rugby allowing other disability and impairment types the opportunity to play.
Photo Credit - Joep Buijs
Photo Credit - Kelly Barnes
interested?
If any of the variants above are of interest to you, please fill out the form below to get involved!