Positive frame of mind pushes Robbie to goal

Hamilton's Robbie Hewitt is preparing to head to Canada with the Wheel Blacks, for a competition he sees as a lead up to the World Championships.

The 29-year-old broke his neck in 2009 playing rugby, but says having support has kept him positive.

Having played for the Wheel Blacks wheelchair rugby team since 2011, Robbie felt both excited and relieved to make the team again.

"I take it on as a challenge, I've had heaps of support and I don't want to let anyone down."

He describes the game as a mix of American football and soccer, with four on the court at a time but the combination depends on the disability.

Robbie says training can be intense, and it can be hard with a family and a job at the Waikato Rugby Union.

"Nothing gets paid for.

"Between that and training camps it is pretty full on," he says.

The Canada Cup runs from June 19-21.

"[It is a] great chance to go and see some of the top 10 teams and what they are doing, and how we can beat them."

Hoping to make the team for the World Championships in July, his aim is to eventually go to the Paralympics.

He says it can be difficult because there is limited funding to travel overseas, but the domestic season has started and the team will be heading down to Wellington shortly.

They will play two tournaments between Waikato and Wellington, which Robbie says is similar to the Air New Zealand cup for abled body rugby.

The team is currently ranked 10th in the world

The World Championships will see the top 12 teams compete.