Amendments to International Wheelchair Laws 2026

The International Rugby League Board has approved amendments to the international Wheelchair Rugby League Laws of the game following recommendations by the Wheelchair Laws Advisory Group, a sub-committee of the IRL Wheelchair Advisory Group

The Laws were last reviewed in 2024, the first wholescale review of the Laws in over a decade, and the most recent recommendations provide clarity and address unintended consequences arising from the 2024 review ahead of the IRL Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The following Laws have been implemented with immediate effect:

• 9th player - provision has been made for a 9th player, similar to the 18th player in the running game, with clarity on the circumstances by which the 9th player can be activated
• Half time period – the half time period has been extended from five minutes to ten minutes
• Delaying tackles - defender(s) may no longer delay tag removal to allow extra time for the defensive line to set themselves
• Foul play - attempts by the ball carrier to trap the hands/arms to prevent a tackler from removing a tag are now considered foul play
• Voluntary Tackle – a player who deliberately raises both arms above shoulder height to “surrender” in order to prevent themselves from being tackled in a disadvantageous position will now be penalised for a voluntary tackle
• Play-the-ball – the reference to “one continuous movement” has been removed from the description of the action of the play-the-ball
• Minimum numbers of players – contradictory references have been removed to make it clear that should one team be reduced to less than three players, for whatever reason, the game should be abandoned

The Wheelchair Laws Advisory Group was chaired by Ollie Cruickshank (ERL) and comprised Brad Grove (APRL – International Player), Steve Hewson (ARLC), Lewis King (ERL – International Player) Cyril Torres (FFRXIII), Martin Coyd OBE (RFL), Matt Ball (IRL – International Referee) and David Butler (IRL).

The international Laws are for all levels of the wheelchair game. National Federations will shortly be provided with additional guidance and materials to support the dissemination of the changes.

The Wheelchair Rugby League Laws Of The Game can be viewed here.