About
The Australian women's underwater rugby team is on the road to the World Championships in Graz, Austria in 2019!
Any support you can offer to help us on this road to success is much appreciated. Follow us on Instagram at aus_ladies_uwr.
By selling these shirts we are raising funds for essential expenses including registration fees, transport, uniforms and accommodation. And we have done our best to make sure you get a cool shirt as well!
All our players are making a personal sacrifice to develop themselves to an elite level to compete against players in this European-dominated sport. Alongside daily training, working/studying and raising money to attend the games, we are each involved in developing the sport at a state level to bring an awareness of UWR to our communities.
Underwater Rugby is a three dimensional, fast-paced contact sport played in a 3-5 meter deep pool. The game involves two teams of six players, two goals at the bottom of the pool and one slightly heavy ball (filled with salt water) that can be passed in any direction. Players wear a mask, snorkel, fins and cap. They attempt to gain possession of the ball in order to score, while avoiding being tackled by the other team. You can only be tackled while holding the ball, so don’t worry about being held under! It is illegal to be violent (i.e. punch or kick) or grab equipment. Many players stay underwater for only 10-20 seconds, and positioning is far more important than a long breath hold. No need to be an athlete to play.
As a nation passionate about swimming and rugby, it is no surprise that Underwater Rugby has taken off in Australia. Since its introduction in 2007, the sport has experienced enormous growth, with hundreds of players and clubs opening in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Perth, Canberra and Hobart. The sport is now played at a national level under the Underwater Rugby Australia Commission.
Still not sure what this wacky sport is? Check out this video to get the idea.
