Newcastle Wheelchair Rugby Club - Club of the Month March 2025

Smashing and bashing their way to win our March Every Body Moves powered by Toyota Club of the Month Award, are Gateshead based, Newcastle Wheelchair Rugby Club.

So what is Wheelchair Rugby?

Wheelchair rugby is a dynamic, full-contact team sport that combines elements of rugby, basketball, and handball. Played on a standard basketball court, teams of four or five aim to carry the ball across the opposing team's goal line. The sport is renowned for its fast-paced action and strategic gameplay, offering both a physical challenge and competitive team play for those involved, it's also great to watch! Wheelchair Rugby originally had the nickname 'murderball', due in part to the chair to chair contact nature of the sport... which we're reliably told is far safer and fun than it may appear at home!

The club, supported by GB Wheelchair Rugby, are quite unique in offering both wheelchair rugby league and union versions of the sport, meaning both disabled and non-disabled people can participate (on the same team for the former and you can read our guide here). Further the club aims to provider opportunities and access to broader wheelchair sports, fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of physical ability, feels empowered to engage in physical activity

That open, welcoming and supportive ethos transfers through to the every element of the club. Participant Abbie Potts told us:

"Rugby is not just a team sport, it's a family!" 

"I came across the Barbarians on an advert on the TV actually and I was skeptical about trying it. It took us three four weeks to pluck up the courage. First day I got in the chair and within the first half an hour I fell in love with the sport."

"I've learned a lot through people at rugby, with regards to help, but also just living your life, being able to adapt to things, being able to get in and out of a rugby chair."

Abbie's Mum, Clare, who also volunteers at the club explained: "I feel so happy that we forced her to go on that first day to the Barbarians, because you know she's found herself and she functioned, but yet she was lost. She didn't know where to go. The opening of the door it felt like you had came home. The club just opened and the players were just so welcoming."

The Club share Every Body Moves aim of connecting disabled individuals with a wide array of opportunities to get active, and the club is flying the flag for inclusivity and accessibility in the North East. The award places them among esteemed peers from the world of rugby league and union, including North Wales Crusaders, Leeds Rhinos and Newport Dragons, who have previously been celebrated for their dedication to breaking down the barriers to participation for the disabled community. It's amazing for us at Every Body Moves to see how access to inclusive versions of rugby is growing and being supported across the UK.

With this recognition, Newcastle Wheelchair Rugby Club is poised to further its mission of inclusivity and community engagement. The award not only celebrates their past achievements but also sets the stage for future endeavours aimed at expanding access to wheelchair rugby and fostering a supportive environment for all participants.

Congratulations to Newcastle Wheelchair Rugby Club on this well-deserved honour!​

​Search for inclusive rugby opportunities in your area on Every Body Moves here