Ulster Rugby vs Llanelli Scarlets

WHEELCHAIR RUGBY

An introduction to the Ulster Barbarians

THE ULSTER BARBARIANS

The Barbarians participate in the Annual Irish League and have competed in competitions in Germany and Scotland. Their aim is to build on the existing structures with a view to entering a team in the GB Wheelchair Rugby League in the 2015/2016 season. The club are currently training at the Loughside Recreation Centre in Belfast but will move to the Antrim Forum in April. The Barbarians, in partnership with Ulster Rugby; the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust Wheelchair Team and Disability Sport NI are hosting a ‘Come and Try’ Event on Saturday 25th April 2015 (12 – 3pm) at the Antrim Forum. Anybody who wishes to try the sport (with or without a disability) is very welcome to come along and get involved. If you are interested in attending this event or joining the Barbarians as a player or as a volunteer please contact Bernard Rooney – 07770 777 265 or the Ulster Rugby Disability and Inclusion Officer – Tim Craig – 07442 490 460

Wheelchair Rugby is a mixed team sport for male and female athletes with a mobility related disability in at least three limbs (tetraplegic). A unique sport created by athletes with a disability, it combines elements of rugby, basketball and American football. Players compete in teams of four to carry the ball across the opposing team’s goal line. Contact between wheelchairs is permitted, and is in fact an integral part of the sport as players use their chairs to block and hold opponents. Wheelchair rugby was introduced to Ireland in 1997 with the formation of the Gaelic Warriors in Dublin. In April 2013 the Ulster Barbarians Wheelchair Rugby Club was formed. They were the third wheelchair rugby club to be established on the island of Ireland and they are the only club of its type in Northern Ireland. The Ulster Barbarians have the full support of and are affiliated with the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) and Irish Wheelchair Rugby. The Barbarians are a young but extremely ambitious club with plans for the future. Since 2012 they have, with the support of the Gaelic Warriors and the IWA, staged a number of ‘Come and Try’ events around the country with a view to raising the profile of the sport and attracting new members. Their efforts have been rewarded in that they now have a membership of 12 players (9 male and 3 female). The players travel from all over Ulster including Downpatrick; Newry; Donegal and Ballycastle to play. Four of the club members have achieved international honours representing Ireland.

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www. ulster rugby.com

ULSTERRUGBY