ITV will provide “comprehensive” live coverage of inaugural BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge in the autumn.
As part of the arrangement, ITV4 will show live evening matches of the hard-hitting sport, often called “Murderball”.
The coverage will include five hours of live broadcasting each day, brought by a team with a wealth of sporting and broadcasting talent and experience including presenter Martin Bayfield, the former England and British Lions player; Steve Brown, captain of the GB London 2012 Olympic wheelchair rugby team; former England and British Lions player, Ugo Monye; reporter Rachael Latham; and commentary team Simon Ward and Mike Spence.
ITV’s director of sport Niall Sloane said: “We are excited to be the broadcaster of this important new tournament which presents a fantastic opportunity to engage the public in a tremendous sport at the top level and entertain with first class live action.”
Taking place from October 12 – 16, the tournament brings together the world’s best “Murderball” teams. London 2012 Paralympic gold medallists Australia return to the former Olympic Park, alongside silver medallists Canada and bronze medallists USA. Hosts Great Britain look to capitalise on home support while New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and France also have their eyes on victory.
The tournament goes ahead at the iconic 6,000-seated Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and forms part of the Rugby World Cup Festival. Ticket details: http://www.wwrc15.com/ About wheelchair rugby Originating in Canada in the 1970s, wheelchair rugby developed from the ‘murderball’ game – created by a group of disabled sportsmen. One of the only full-contact disability sports, two teams of four aim to score by carrying the ball across the opposing team’s line.
Players compete in specially-designed manual wheelchairs and must meet minimum disability criteria classifiable under the sport classification rules.
Wheelchair rugby was first recognised as a full medal sport at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia. It has since featured at the Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008, and in London 2012.
