The Steelers first outing of the year concluded in Chiba today, taking on Great Britain in the bronze medal final. After a slow-start to the tournament, Australia had built strongly across the tournament and were a great chance at clinching the bronze having defeated The Brit’s the day prior in the final pool match of the competition.

Bronze Medal Match – Australia vs Great Britain

Nothing could separate the two teams in the opening stanza of the match, with scores tied at the quarter-break. Frustration set in for the Aussies in the second, with Great Britain’s defensive pressure causing a number of key turnovers seeing them skip to a significant 5-point lead at the halftime buzzer.

A renewed intensity, coupled with an improved temperament under pressure in the second half had Steelers fans daring to dream, as the Aussies chipped away at the deficit, pulling level and going in front at the end of the third quarter. Chris Bond, Brayden Foxley-Conolly and Ben Fawcett again proved difficult to handle, with Shae Graham and Jayden Jackson also contributing despite reduced minutes from the bench.

Despite an impressive comeback, fatigue and needing an almost faultless second half to reduce the gap ultimately caught up to them, with the Steelers hopes of a bronze slipping deep into the fourth.

An inspired performance highlighting the development of the side across the week, yet still not enough to claim a medal with Great Britain edging Australia in a fantastic game of rugby.

Result: Great Britain 59 defeats Australia 56

Despite some disappointing results this week, the Steelers are coming away with a wealth of new knowledge and understanding of how this new look team will work together moving forward.

The gold medal match saw home nation, Japan defeat France. Congratulations to Japan for taking out the 2025 Japan Para Championships and to the Japan Wheelchair Rugby Federation for a fantastic tournament.

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

Going to miss the Steelers in action? Don’t miss out on seeing the Aussie live, at home at the World Challenge in Adelaide from 29 May – 1 June 2025. Sign up to get exclusive access to tickets here: https://www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/world-challenge

Final Results - 2025 Japan Para Championships

Gold: Japan

Silver: France

Bronze: Great Britain

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 - Finals Day Review