about wheelchair rugby
Wheelchair rugby was invented in 1977 in Canada. It was originally called "Murderball" and featured four players on either side. It became a paralympic sport and had to change its name to Wheelchair Rugby, despite having virtually no similarities with traditional rugby at all. The success of the paralympic wheelchair rugby prompted the expansion of the game, with the introduction of new disciplines, namely the 3s and 5s. Wheelchair rugby 5s is available to those who are not disabled enough to classify for the 4s discipline, therefore making the 5s game more inclusive and open to a wider cohort of potential players. Wheelchair rugby 5s is way behind 4s on the funding and development side, but if you fancy a crash'em, smash'em and bash'em type of sport, then wheelchair rugby may just be the one for you!
About the welsh fives
The Wales 5s Wheelchair Rugby Union has been founded to provide opportunities for those physically disabled Welsh players, who may not classify for the 4s discipline, to gain international recognition - it is a chance for them to achieve something that dreams are made of, to represent your country in a sport you love and have fun along the way.
At Wales 5s WRU, we are not just looking to inspire current players, but people who currently do not play, as well as youngsters at grassroots level. Us Welsh have always been passionate about our sport, particularly rugby - so why not Wheelchair Rugby? who wants to push themselves to be the JPR of the wheelchair game? Then have a go and find out if you have what it takes to participate in this incredible sport. There are not many sports that allow men and women to compete together and against each other, but Wheelchair rugby does, and there are some awesome female players out there, every bit as good as the men!
As well as developing the game in Wales, we are going to be active globally and help other countries develop their wheelchair rugby 5s provision. We already have links across the world and will be looking to expand our network of friends in rugby even further as time goes on. We will send coaches and players to countries new to the game and boost the numbers of physically disabled people playing the sport. We have some grand ideas for the next decade, why not become a part of it with a simple step - visit our links page and join a Wheelchair rugby club, or contact us for more information.
There are also opportunities for those who do not wish to play, but be involved, why not train to be a coach or an official? - there are lots of opportunities.