Wheelchair rugby rolls into Glasgow

AN OPEN invitation is going out to anyone who fancies the crash, bang, wallop of rugby to have a go for themselves in Glasgow next week, but in the wheelchair variety.

Wheelchair rugby has become one of the most popular sports in Paralympics circles and will feature in the 2012 London Games next summer. The Great Britain squad, which includes Glasgow’s Mike Kerr, will be in the Kelvin Hall next Wednesday to help launch a new youth team at Ashcraig School and they are keen to open the doors to anyone who wants to know more about the sport.

Founded in Canada in 1977 it is described as “a terrifying fusion of ice hockey, handball and rugby”, with contact between chairs allowed. A spokesman told The Scotsman: “It’s not just about brute force though. Tactically it’s a very intelligent game to be involved in.”

There are squads of 12 but with only four players from each team on court at one time, and rolling subs, with the aim being to thunder across your opponents’ goal line with two wheels in contact with the hardwood floor and the ball in your hands. Players in possession have to bounce the ball or pass with within ten seconds of receiving it.

Entry is free next week to the Kelvin Hall event, which begins at 11am.