The width of the wheelchair is determined by the size of the player, but no part of the wheelchair may extend beyond the push rim.
The wheelchair should not exceed 116cm in length from the back of the wheel to the front-most part of the wheelchair.
Offensive Chairs
Higher point players typically use offensive wheelchairs. Most offensive wheelchairs have a small bumper on the front to protect the feet.
The guard is metal, and extends the length of the footplate. This guard is rounded to ensure there is nothing a defensive player could hook. In addition, most offensive wheelchairs have a metal plate called a wing that extends from the bumper to the front of the main wheel so there is not a place for a defensive wheelchair to pick. The offensive wheelchair usually also has a spoke guard connected to the push rim so a defensive player cannot hook into the wheel.
Defensive Chairs
Lower point players typically use defensive wheelchairs. These wheelchairs have a large bumper on the front of the footplate to pick other players’ chairs. Unlike offensive chairs, defensive chairs do not have wings.
Not all rugby wheelchairs are exactly the same, and most can be adjusted to suit each individual’s comfort and safety needs.
