Wheelchair Rugby 101

Number of Players

There are five players on the court on each team with an additional 5 reserves.

Ball and Tags

The game is played with a size 4 rugby ball and velcro tags of different colors per team.

Length of Game

The game consists of two 40 minute halves, and much like able bodied rugby, is a high endurance sport.

Object of the Game

The object of the game is to advance the ball toward the opponent’s goal line using lateral passes and hand "kicks".

Scoring Points

Points are scored by placing the ball on the ground over the opponent’s goal line resulting in a “try” (In rugby a touchdown is called a try). Extra points following a try are attempted, similar to American Football. Each attacking team gets 6 downs or attempts to score on each series.

"Tackles"

Play is stopped when the defending team pulls a tag off the jersey of a player from the attacking team. The attacking team restarts play by tapping the ball on the ground or wheelchair and beginning the lateral passing for the next play.

Non-disabled players

Each team is allowed two non-disabled players per the 10 person roster, however all players play in a sports wheelchair. This provides an environment where friends, family, and team mates can play together regardless of disability.