The Australian Steelers took to the court today in their first competition since their Bronze Medal outing at the Paris Paralympic Games, taking on heavyweights Great Britain and Japan at the Japan Para Championships at Chiba Port Arena on Thursday afternoon.

The Steelers enter the competition as the second seed, behind Japan and ahead of Great Britain and France, with the Aussie's unveiling a number of exciting new prospects in their squad as the team looks to build its depth heading into a new cycle.

Game 1 – Australia vs Great Britain

The previous outing between the Steelers and Great Britain saw Australia take home the bronze at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games in a tight contest. With recent history and a genuine rivalry developing between the two nations, Australia was counting on talismanic captain Chris Bond to apply pressure early and settle Australia into the match from the outset to quell any potential first game nerves.

Australian coach Brad Dubberley opted to run a new line-up from the outset, taking full advantage of the female classification rule changes with captain Chris Bond, Robyn Lambird, Shae Graham and Jake Howe taking the court in the opening stanza. A shaky start from the Aussies soon faded as they traded scores with Great Britain in the opening exchanges. The injection of Foxley-Connoly and Ben Fawcett steadied the ship to see Australia down by one score at the first break.

The opening of the second period saw the new-look Steelers struggle to get out of their own backcourt as a number of key turnovers allowed Great Britain to capitalise and seize momentum. Despite a strong showing in the final period, Great Britain ran out deserved winners by a 10-score margin.

Result: Great Britain 66 defeated Australia 56

Game 2 – Australia vs Japan

Eager to bounce back from their round one encounter, a short-turnaround saw the Steelers facing the almighty challenge of the home nation and Paralympic champions Japan in their second match of the championship.

Trading scores early with hosts Australia looked good in patches whilst a number of new combinations took to the court. The Japanese team broke clear after a flurry of Australian turnovers in quick succession before the half, jumping out to a lead that was always going to be difficult to run down.

Despite an 11 point defeat, there were many positive signs from new players and combinations in a sure sign that they will build across the next three days of play at the tournament. Mick Ozanne showcased his wealth of experience when called upon, with Jayden Jackson’s stocks continuing to rise in his first tournament.

Result: Japan 57 defeated Australia 46

Looking towards Day 2, the Steelers will take on France and home team, Japan. You can catch all the action live on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@jsadchannel/streams

For all results and competition updates, please visit the Steelers Hub here: https://wheelchairrugby.com.au/steelers-hub

2025 Japan Para Champs – Day 2 – Friday, 7 February 2025

2:00pm (AEDT) - Australia vs France

5:00pm (AEDT) - Australia vs Japan

Media Enquiries

Please send through any media enquiries for the Japan Para Championships to:

Kelsey Singh
kelsey@wheelchairrugby.com.au
+61 423 916 576

2025 Japan Para Championship - Day 1 Review