Wheelchair Sports - Rugby Chair

Wheelchair Rugby Chair

Wheelchair Rugby is played in a manual wheelchair. The rules include detailed specifications for the wheelchair. Many players use custom-made sports wheelchairs that are specifically designed for wheelchair rugby. Key design features include a front bumper, designed to help strike and hold opposing wheelchairs, and wings, which are positioned in front of the main wheels to make the wheelchair more difficult to stop and hold.

All wheelchairs must be equipped with spoke protectors, to prevent damage to the wheels, and an anti-tip device at the back. New players and players in developing countries sometimes play in wheelchairs that have been adapted for wheelchair rugby by the addition of temporary bumpers and wings.

The wheelchair rugby ball is identical in size and shape to a regulation volleyball. Wheelchair rugby balls are typically of a 'soft-touch' design, with a slightly textured surface to provide a better grip. The balls are normally over-inflated compared to a volleyball, to provide a better bounce. The official ball of the sport from 2000-2006 is the Molten soft touch volleyball, model number WR58X.

Players use a variety of other personal equipment, such as gloves and applied adhesives to assist with ball handling, and various forms of strapping to help them maintain a good seating position.

Countries playing wheelchair rugby

There are currently twenty-one active countries playing wheelchair rugby, divided into three zones: Zone 1 - The Americas;  Zone 2 - Europe;  Zone 3 - Oceania

Zone 1 — The Americas Brazil Canada United States

Zone 2 — Europe Austria Belgium Czech Republic Denmark Finland France Germany Great Britain Ireland Netherlands Norway Poland Sweden Switzerland

Zone 3 — Oceania Australia Japan New Zealand

Recent results 2006 World Championships held in Christchurch, New Zealand 1. United States 2. New Zealand 3. Canada 2005 European Zone Championships held in Middelfart, Denmark 1. Great Britain 2. Germany 3. Sweden 2005 Oceania Zone Championships held in Johannesburg, South Africa 1. New Zealand 2. Australia 3. Japan 2004 Paralympic Games held in Athens, Greece 1. New Zealand 2. Canada 3. United States 2002 World Championships held in Gothenburg, Sweden 1. Canada 2. United States 3. Australia

World Wheelchair Rugby Championships 2002 Gothenburg Sweden

The 2006 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships was held in Christchurch, New Zealand from September 12-16, 2006, of which the final was streamed live on the Television New Zealand website. Wheelchair rugby is also on the program for the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, China.

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