International Wheelchair Rugby Cup – Paris 2023

The International Wheelchair Rugby Cup 2023 (IWRC) takes place from 18-21 October in Paris, France, and will be run in the country while RWC 2023 takes place – This is the first time it has been organised at the same time as a Rugby World Cup.

Updated October 18 2023

In total, the top eight nations will compete in the wheelchair rugby tournament at Halle Carpentier and the Accor Arena in the French capital and tickets were made available in July. This is the last international event before the 2024 Paralympics take place.

Japan will be representing Asia, after the team recently qualified for Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 by winning the World Wheelchair Rugby (WWR) Asia-Oceania Championship in Tokyo in July 2023.

Speaking at a Rugby World Cup media event at Roland Garros before the final round of RWC 2023 pool games,  Cédric Nankin, vice-captain of the French team said, “It’s a way for us to showcase our game and test ourselves a bit. It’s also about raising the profile of our sport, introducing it to the general public and taking advantage of the media coverage. We really hope that the public will come and support us because we’re going to need it. We know it’s going to be complicated, but we know we can do something great.”

He added that he hoped “the momentum from France 2023 will help provide a real spotlight on wheelchair rugby and para-sport as a whole with tickets starting from 5 euros.

France 2023 Chairman, Jacques Rivoal added “We hope to welcome around 30,000 fans. The event will be broadcast on L’Equipe and the final live on L’Equipe 21….It is going to be a great spotlight and help accelerate the development of wheelchair rugby.“

International Wheelchair Rugby Cup – Paris 2023 – Pools & Teams

Pool A

• Australia
• GB
• Canada
• Denmark

Pool B

• USA
• Japan
• France
• New Zealand

2023 WWR International Wheelchair Rugby Cup Tournament Schedule

The 2023 WWR International Wheelchair Rugby Cup Tournament Schedule was announced in August. The format sees all group matches played across the first three days with the top two teams of each pool progressing to the semifinals.

Japan will play New Zealand on the opening day (October 18th 2023), followed by the USA (October 19th) and France  (October 20th).

How To Watch IWRC 2o23?

The International Wheelchair Rugby Cup 2023 matches are all due to be streamed on WWR YouTube.

Wheelchair Rugby Events

• World Wheelchair Rugby Seeking Hosts for Major Tournaments.
• International Wheelchair Rugby Cup 2023 to be organised by RWC 2023 Organisers.