Wheelchairs and rugby may seem an odd combination, but the rough and tumble of the sport is attracting fans, and you can have a go too.
London Wheelchair Rugby (LWR) and the Weir Archer academy are running free taster sessions for people looking to get into the sport.
The sessions, which take place in March and April in Carshalton, are open to any players with a physical impairment.
Ashley Chapman of LWR said: “The sessions start with basic drills and coaching tips and then move on to games, which everyone loves.
“A lot of people don’t know about the sport at first because it looks a bit rough, but we find once they start playing that is what they like about it.
“Wheelchair rugby is the only wheelchair sport that is full contact and that really attracts people to it.”
The sport was one of the most watched at the 2012 Paralympics Games in London and Chapman believes that has made a big difference.
“The Games really captured people’s interests and made a big difference to the sport in the UK,” he said.
“Before the 2012 games there were only six or seven clubs in the country but now that has been doubled.
“The sport is really going places and we are hoping to run a wheelchair tournament alongside the 2015 Rugby World Cup when it is held in England.”
The taster sessions will be held at Stanley Park High School sports hall, in Carshalton, and will run between 6pm and 8pm on March 7 and 28, and April 4.
For more information or to register, contact Paul Arnold on 07872 664927 or email paul.arnold@gbwr.org.uk.
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