The Archive

Rubber wheeled rugger buggers

I watched Murderball the other day. Very interesting documentary about Wheelchair rugby (it was not made clear how many of the players were now playing this game as a result of playing actual rugby, incidentally).

It was actually a very interesting movie, primarily by proving beyond doubt that just because you're in a wheelchair, doesn't mean you're not a prick.

One of the characters was a hyper 'got to win' alpha male competitor type who had taken to coaching the Canadian team just because the US cut him from the team one year. He spends most of the movie red-faced and apopleptic as a result of a range of perceived slights or failings by his team and he is truly obnoxious.

Meanwhile, the rest of the teams spend the hour charging around a basketball court in wheelchairs that would not look out of place in Mad Max, whacking into each other, knocking each other down and, occasionally, chucking or catching a ball.

It was actually quite engaging and, what with the wheelchairs and all, kind of put me in mind of Robot Wars. In fact the sport, whilst fun, could certainly take a leaf or two out of that show's book. Imagine guys in chairs armed with hammers, drills, spikes and flamethrowers duking it out. Cool.

Anyway. At the end of the film (look away now if you want to watch the movie and enjoy the ending) the US team lose the world championships for the first time in 11 years.

One of the final scenes is the team off recruiting at a facility for servicemen and women injured in the Iraq war.

Which made me wonder. Is it possible, just possible, that Bush invaded Iraq in order to generate more candidates for the US wheelchair rugby squad to win back the title?

Think about it, suddenly there are lots of strong, motivated people who enjoy a bit of a rumble all in wheelchairs, ready to try out for the team.

If you see Bush taking an unusually close interest in the next World championship, remember you heard it here first.

posted by Peter The Great @ 8:58 PM