Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine if differences existed on performance tests between wheelchair rugby players who were and were not selected for a national team. The sample was selected from prospective national wheelchair rugby team members (n = 27) and delimited to match selected and non-selected team members on functional rugby classification. Performance tests consisted of mile-pushes, endurance sprints, slaloms with and without a ball, full-court sprints, up & backs, and short and long passing for accuracy. Selected team members had significantly better mean scores on several performance tests (p < .05) with the greatest effect sizes realized on physical fitness components (e.g., mile push). Distinctions between athletes selected for a national wheelchair rugby team and those not selected were noted for performance tests with physical fitness components (e.g., mile push). Coaches are encouraged to include fitness-related tests as part of their regular training strategies.