General and Mrs Hurley Appointed as Co-Patrons of Wheelchair Rugby Australia

Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) is pleased to announce the appointment of General (Retd) the Honourable David Hurley AC CVO DSC and Mrs Linda Hurley as Co-Patrons.

As the governing body for wheelchair rugby in Australia, WRA is dedicated to fostering the sport's development and growth, providing athletes with a disability the opportunity to participate and excel—from grassroots programs to elite international competition.

General and Mrs Hurley were first introduced to wheelchair rugby at the 2018 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in Sydney, where General Hurley served as Patron in his capacity as Governor of New South Wales. Since his appointment as Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, General Hurley and Mrs Hurley have remained strong supporters of the sport, following the progress of Australia’s national team, the Steelers, in competitions worldwide.

General and Mrs Hurley said:
"We are honoured to take on the role of Co-Patrons for Wheelchair Rugby Australia. Having witnessed firsthand the passion, resilience, and determination of the athletes, we have deep admiration for the sport and its incredible community. Wheelchair rugby is not only a thrilling game but also a powerful platform for inclusion and opportunity. We look forward to supporting the continued growth of the sport and celebrating the achievements of the Australian Steelers and all those involved in wheelchair rugby."

WRA Chair, Steve Loader, said:
"We are delighted to welcome General and Mrs Hurley as Co-Patrons of Wheelchair Rugby Australia. Their ongoing commitment to our sport and its athletes is invaluable, and their support will undoubtedly help us continue to grow wheelchair rugby across all levels. With exciting events on the horizon, including the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge in 2025, their patronage comes at a pivotal time for our sport.”

General (Retd) the Honourable David Hurley AC CVO DSC with the Australian Steelers at the 2018 GIO IWRF Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in Sydney.

Mrs Linda Hurley and Australian Steeler, Ryley Batt at the 2018 GIO IWRF Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in Sydney.

WRA is entering an exciting period, with major wheelchair rugby events in Australia for the Steelers, a focus on increasing female participation from grassroots to elite levels, and a commitment to nurturing emerging athletes, coaches, and officials.

In 2025, international wheelchair rugby will return to Australian shores with WRA hosting the inaugural Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge—a new event on the global wheelchair rugby calendar. The Australian Steelers, Paralympic bronze medallists and current world number two, will compete on home soil for the first time since 2018.

The competition will feature six international powerhouses—Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Brazil, and the Netherlands—battling for supremacy over four days (29 May – 1 June 2025). Running alongside the event, the Wheelchair Rugby National Championship will introduce a junior division, ensuring Adelaide hosts the largest wheelchair rugby event in the world in 2025.

For further information on Wheelchair Rugby Australia, the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge, or general wheelchair rugby updates, please visit www.wheelchairrugby.com.au.

Media Enquiries

Chris Nay
Chief Executive Officer
M: +61 405 036 727
E: chris@wheelchairrugby.com.au