The event, which takes place at the city's Sophia Gardens from today until Thursday (September 8), will see hosts Great Britain take on Australia, Belgium, Japan and Sweden in the highest-level challenge the squad will face between now the Paralympics.

As well as giving spectators across the UK a glimpse of what is to come at the London Games, the event will also give the four international nations the chance to get used to conditions in the country.

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby's (GBWR) chief executive David Pond is particularly excited that the sport is being showcased in Cardiff and believes that Team GB, who came fourth at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics, are in for a chance of a podium finish at next year's Games.

"With so many of the world's top players present, the 2011 GB Cup is going to be hugely exciting and a fantastic challenge for our team," said Pond.

"It's a really exciting time for GBWR.

"Not only is Team GB progressing well towards the Paralympic Games, but thanks to the funding support of UK Sport, the Lottery and Sport England, as well as corporate sponsorship from Coloplast and player sponsorship from the Get Kids Going charity, the sport is growing at all levels and we're in a position to challenge for Paralympic gold."

Wheelchair rugby - often referred to as "murderball" - is a fusion of ice hockey, handball and rugby and was founded in Canada in 1977.

It combines brute force and tactical strategy, with eight rolling substitutes making up squads of 12, where four players are on the court per team at any time.

The aim is to thunder across your opponents' goal line with two wheels in contact with the hardwood floor and the ball in your hands.

Players in possession have to bounce the ball or pass within ten seconds of receiving it.

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