Wheelchair Rugby

Irish Wheelchair Association is the National Governing Body for Wheelchair Rugby in Ireland.

Wheelchair rugby was invented by a group of quadriplegics in Canada in the 1970’s. It is an invasion and evasion sport with the object being to carry the ball across the opposing team’s try line. It involves full contact between the chairs.

Who can play and where can I play?

Wheelchair rugby is a mixed team sport for male and female. Contact between wheelchairs is permitted and is vital for blocking and holding the opposing team. Each team consists of four players.

Wheelchair rugby is a mixed team sport for male and female players. Contact between wheelchairs is permitted and is vital for blocking and holding the opposing team. Each team consists of four players. The sport has features of rugby, basketball, handball and ice hockey. The object of the game is to carry the ball across the opposing team’s goal line to score a try. Each try is worth one point.

Senior players (15yrs +) play in our wheelchair rugby clubs. There is one senior domestic competition annually.

Classification:

Anyone with a physical disability is welcome to play wheelchair rugby in Ireland. 

Wheelchair rugby classifications range from 0.5 to 3.5. Each team can only have a combined total of eight points on the court at any one time. The game consists of 4 x 8minute quarters.

International Level:

We currently have one senior team. Our international team competes at major competitions on a regular basis.