Wheelchair Rugby
Dive into the world of the game
Wheelchair rugby is a mixed sport made for people with physical disabilities, mainly those with impairments affecting at least three limbs, and who wish to participate in a team sport that is both intense and strategic.
Discover the emotions of wheelchair tennis, as if you were there!
Wheelchair rugby, formerly known as “murderball,” was invented in 1977 in Canada by quadriplegic athletes seeking a better alternative to basketball for their needs. This intense and strategic sport engages different skills.
Errol Paillé discovered this sport in 1978 and contributed to its establishment in Quebec. Canada quickly became a major nation in the discipline.
In a recreational way, everyone is encouraged to sit in a chair and participate — highlighting the inclusive nature of this dynamic contact sport.
To discover the sport through videos with Parasports Québec:
The classifications range from 0.5 to 3.5. The greater the impairment of motor functions, the lower the classification will be.
To be eligible, athletes must have functional limitations in their arms and legs. In addition, they must be able to propel a manual wheelchair with their arms. Athletes with a neurological disability must have at least three limbs with limited function. Athletes without a neurological disability must have limited function in all four limbs. The majority of wheelchair rugby players have spinal cord injuries resulting in partial or total paralysis of the legs and partial paralysis of the arms.
The classification is the same for men and women, who play in mixed teams.
However, each woman receives a deduction of 0.5 from her classification.
For more information, visit the Canadian Paralympic Committee website:
The goal is to carry the ball into the opposing team’s end zone. The match is played on a basketball court with a volleyball. Each team consists of four players on the court who together cannot exceed eight classification points.
Contact between wheelchairs is permitted and is an integral part of the rules. Physical contact between players is prohibited.
The match consists of four eight-minute periods (actual playing time). Teams have 40 seconds to score during each possession (including 12 seconds to bring the ball across the halfway line).
For more information, visit the Wheelchair Rugby Canada website:
In Quebec, wheelchair rugby is primarily concentrated in Quebec City and Montreal. However, athletes from other parts of the province can join one of these two teams. These clubs participate in several tournaments and training sessions organized throughout the season.
There is also a mixed Quebec team, which allows the province’s best athletes to come together and participate in training camps and various competitions.
The Parasports Invitation is the highlight of the wheelchair rugby season in Quebec. In its 14th edition in 2025, it is the birthplace of a multi-day tournament that sees the best Canadian wheelchair rugby athletes (but also those from the Eastern United States) compete against each other.
It has also hosted a corporate benefit tournament since 2023, the Rugbython: this allows companies to spend a friendly and inclusive competitive team-building moment, while encouraging the development of Quebec sport and athletes with their financial support.
The last edition of the Parasports Invitation took place from December 12 to 14, 2025.
Wheelchair rugby is included, alongside wheelchair curling, in the
program of the Adaptavie club’s winter challenge – le Challenge Hivernal – which takes place annually in Quebec City.
The last tournament took place in March 2026.
The Canadian wheelchair rugby championship pits athletes from across the country against each other each year, representing their provinces in a quest for the coveted national title.
The last championship in Quebec took place in the Montreal area in the spring of 2025.
The 2026 edition was held in Ottawa, ON from May 14 to 17, 2026.
The provincial team is composed of the following athletes:
- Arsenault Charles-Olivier
- Bilodeau Samuel
- Bouchard Guillaume
- Bourgault Simon
- Coriveaux Nicolas
- Côté-Nadon Jean-Philippe
- Drolet-Gaulthier Maxime
- Forest Sophie
- Gagné Dave
- Gagnon-Lacoste Janike
- Huneault Jean-Francois
- Labelle Mélanie
- Lavoie Éric
- Lavoie Fabien
- Létourneau Anthony
- Macias Alexi
- Mastine Steve
- Racicot Yanick
- Simard Patrice
- Vlasenko Eugene
Depending on the competition, athletes are found in a main Quebec team, or in Quebec Teams 1 and 2.
Patrick Côté is the coach of the provincial team.
Parasports Québec also thanks MCs Éric Trottier and William Légaré who provide technical and material support to the teams throughout the year.
Interested in becoming a coach and contributing to the development of our athletes? The coach training program is the one developed by Wheelchair Rugby Canada in partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada.
No prior experience in wheelchair rugby? No problem! Many referees from all kinds of sports have successfully transitioned to wheelchair rugby. Referees with experience in basketball, hockey, and other sports have made the switch to rugby in the past. We can also help you learn how to become an official even if you’ve never used a whistle before!
To join us, contact us at info@parasportsquebec.com
The government offers financial support and services to identified athletes in Quebec to enable them to compete with the best athletes in the world.
Athletes identified at the “Excellence”, “Elite”, “Next Generation” and “Hopeful” levels are selected based on established criteria specific to the discipline.
Contact our team to learn more
Maylis Loirette-Baldit
Parasports Québec Wheelchair Rugby Coordinator