Rules /

Wheelchair Rugby League closely mimics a conventional game of rugby league – although played in a wheelchair.

Wheelchair Rugby League is an all-inclusive sport, containing both able-bodied and players with a disability. In a standard match, 10 players take the court (5 per side), with teams always having up to two able-bodied players on.

In wheelchair rugby league tags replace tackles and “hand punches” replace kicks. There are no scrums, tackles, or standard play the balls.

Wheelchair Rugby League uses a modified rugby league ball, and the ball must always be passed backwards, like the running game.

A try is scored by rolling over the try line area and grounding the ball over or on the line.

Conversions are taken from in line with where the try has been scored. A conversion occurs by punching the ball over the posts. Penalty goals and drop goals occur in similar fashion. For a drop goal to count the ball must be “kicked” from the ground.

A kick mimics an AFL hand pass, and players are required to use approved kicking tees for kick offs, conversions, and penalty goals.

All players have Velcro tags attached to either arm bands and/or jersey patches. Defenders are required to remove the tags of the ball carrier which constitutes a “tackle”.

After removing the tag, the defensive team is required to reset their defensive line 4m back from where the play the ball occurs. Players are unable to obstruct or remove tags from players not in possession of the ball. The ball carrier must ensure both tags are replaced before the play-the-ball takes place.

To play-the-ball, the ball carrier must tap the ball on their wheel before passing it backwards to a teammate. Defensive teams are allowed 1 marker to be positioned opposite the play-the-ball.

Teams get six tackles per set, with the sixth tackle resulting in a hand over of possession. Teams lose possession due to knock ons, forward passes, and rolling over the touchline/dead ball line.

A knock on is when a player drops the ball whilst receiving a pass or when the ball rolls out of the lap of the player in possession.

Forward pass is any pass that goes forward from the point of release of passer. Rolling into touch results in any part of the wheelchair being placed on or over any of the touch lines presented at the start of the match.

The 2024 Official Wheelchair Rugby League rules can be found here.