BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge to air on ITV

The inaugural BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge will be broadcast live on ITV the channel has confirmed. The announcement coincided with the countdown of 100 days remaining before the opening match.

‘We’re 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. As the UK broadcaster of the Rugby World Cup, ITV is delighted to be able to offer viewers the perfect complement to that event and showcase the appeal of this fantastic form of rugby.’ – ITV’s Director of Sport, Niall Sloane

Taking place from 12th – 16th October 2015, the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge 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 international tournament is to be held at the iconic 6,000-seated Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and forms part of the Rugby World Cup Festival.

As part of the arrangement, ITV4 will show live evening matches of the hard-hitting sport. ITV4’s comprehensive 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, alongside Steve Brown, captain of the GB London 2012 Olympic Wheelchair Rugby team, former England and British Lions player, Ugo Monye, reporter Rachael Latham with commentary team Simon Ward and Mike Spence.

‘GBWR is really excited that ITV will broadcast BT WWRC15. The tournament will feature the world’s best wheelchair rugby teams and run alongside the Rugby World Cup. ITV’s commitment to viewer experience and its ability to reach out and inspire new audiences will be great for the game and will build on the huge public interest following the success of London 2012’ – David Pond, Chief Executive of Great Britain Wheelchair rugby

Tickets are now on sale for the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge, which takes place from 12th to 16th October at the Copper Box Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London.