News that ITV is to broadcast the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge coincides with 100 days until the first match of the tournament ©WWRC 2015

ITV are to broadcast the BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge (WWRC), due to be held in October at the Copper Box Arena on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, it was announced today.

The announcement coincided with the 100 days to go milestone to the opening match.

The WWRC, due to be held between October 12 and 16, is part of the Rugby World Cup Festival and features London 2012 Paralympic gold medallists Australia alongside silver medallists Canada and bronze medallists United States.

The line-up is completed by hosts Great Britain along with New Zealand, South Africa, Japan and France.

As part of the arrangement, ITV4 will show live evening matches.

Other coverage will include five hours of live broadcasting each day led by presenter Martin Bayfield, the former England and British Lions player, alongside Steve Brown, captain of Britain's London 2012 wheelchair rugby team.

They will be joined by former England and British Lions player Ugo Monye, reporter Rachael Latham and commentary team Simon Ward and Mike Spence.

London 2012 gold and silver medallists, Australia and Canada, will both be taking part in the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge at the Copper Box on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London
London 2012 gold and silver medallists, Australia and Canada, will both be taking part in the World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge at the Copper Box on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London ©Getty Images

"GBWR is really excited that ITV will broadcast BT WWRC15," said David Pond, chief executive of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby. 

"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."

ITV’s director of sport Niall Sloane, said: "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."

Tickets for the WWRC can be brought by clicking here



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January 2015: GB Wheelchair Rugby signs three year partnership with BT
May 2014: Copper Box Arena to host inaugural World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge in 2015