About USA ALl Inclusive Rugby
Our Story
The United States Wheelchair Rugby League team was invited by the International Rugby League to participate in the 2022 RL World Cup in England. Due to the efforts of several individuals, team tryouts and practices began in late 2020 for team selection. The team was based in Columbia, SC. Following many months of practice and skills building, a team was selected to represent the US.
At the World Cup, the US played Scotland, world third ranked Wales, and number one France. Despite playing the first ever competitive international game, the US beat Scotland 62-41. In the second game, the US had the first half lead but the experience of Wales saw the Wheelhawks go down 32-50. The final game was of great experience for the US but France was way too strong. However, one of our players , Mackenzie Johnson, was selected in the 10 member Team of the Tournament, a huge honor.
In February 2024, the US played Wales in two Internationals in Mrytle Beach, SC.
Our Team
In 2022, we participated in the Rugby League World Cup in England. Our team consisted of 12 players, including 7 veterans, with one a woman. The ages of the US Team ranged from 16 to 52 years old.
As we prepare for the World Cup, we welcome all those who are interested to try out for our team to represent the United States. As funding permits we will hold tryouts in different locations for selection.
Most of our 2022 World Cup team had no knowledge of the game when we started but we were able to win our first game against Scotland and play third ranked Wales close.
The Game
Wheelchair Rugby League is played on an indoor facility on a court measuring 40 meters long and 22 meters wide. There are five players on the court on each team with an additional 5 reserves. The game is played with a size 4 rugby ball. Each game has two halves of 40 minutes each. The object of the game is to advance the ball toward the opponent’s goal line using lateral passes and hand "kicks".
Points are scored by placing the ball on the ground over the opponent’s goal line resulting in a “try” (In rugby a touchdown is called a try). Extra points following a try are attempted, similar to American Football.
Each attacking team gets 6 downs or attempts to score on each series. Play is stopped when the defending team pulls a tag off the jersey of a player from the attacking team. The attacking team restarts play by tapping the ball on the ground or wheelchair and beginning the lateral passing for the next play.