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Sport FeaturesYou are in: Essex > Sport > Sport Features > Rugby star makes a big impact  Jonathan has been playing for six years Rugby star makes a big impactFast pace, big impacts and controlled aggression. Wheelchair rugby has all the successful ingredients of field rugby. And in Jonathan Coggan, Essex has one of Great Britain's best players. In truth, the similarities between field rugby and the sport that Jonathan plays are few. Indeed, the title of 'Wheelchair Rugby' has only been used in recent years, the game having previously been known as 'Murderball'! Each team consists of four players, the matches played in quarters of eight minutes. The object of the game is to travel the ball - a standard size volley ball- across the opposing side's try line.  The sport has some spectacularly big impacts Jonathan, who lives in South Woodham Ferrers, has been playing the game since 2001 and has represented Great Britain in Olympic, World and European competitions. He also plays for London Wheelchair Rugby Club at national and international level. It goes without saying that the chairs used are specifically designed for, and around, the participants and can cost over £3000. Jonathan explains why: "These chairs are designed to take big hits. When you've got two big guys gunning for each other, to take one another out, somebody can end up on the floor. It's quite loud as well, because steel on steel at fast speeds creates a lot of noise!" Jonathan discovered wheelchair rugby following a car accident, in which he broke his neck. Since getting involved in the sport, he hasn't looked back and now plays the game full time.
"One of the guys came in to tell me about it, so when I left hospital I was interested in following it up." Says Jonathan. "I went to one of the club's sessions for London and I really enjoyed that. I went back again and again until I got more and more into it." At club level, Jonathan plays for the London Lions, who are based at Stanmore in Middlesex. But there are currently plans for a new Essex club, affiliated to the London set-up. Jonathan is very keen for the new club to get up and running: "We're hoping that maybe it will be in Basildon. We're just at the moment looking for new players and new venues, but particularly new players because there's a lack of them. I'm the only Essex player there is, so we really need a few more to get started." As well as it being a great sport, Jonathan says Wheelchair Rugby is also a fantastic opportunity for people to improve their lives, confidence and opportunities.  A standard size volley ball is used "It's all about team sport and the camaraderie, and the friends that you make. You actually make great friends, you learn off of one another, you travel together and can have a great time at all of the tournaments." In the immediate future, Jonathan has more competitions, both at home and aboard, plus the small matter of the Beijing Olympics next year, for which Team GB have already qualified. And with time on his side - he's still only 24 - the London 2012 games are a real possibility. To hear more about Jonathon, his sport and the plans for the new club in Essex, click on the link below. Help playing audio/video If you'd like to find out more about the sport and opportunities with clubs in London and Essex, visit the website below.The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites last updated: 27/11/07 SEE ALSOYou are in: Essex > Sport > Sport Features > Rugby star makes a big impact |
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