Wheelchair Rugby Australia unveils exciting new National League competition for 2022
Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) has today announced an exciting, new-look competition format to the Wheelchair Rugby National League for the 2022 season.
The model sees the establishment of six (6) new wheelchair rugby franchises, with players being drafted to teams and competing across three rounds of competition between February and May in 2021. There will be sixty (60) roster spots open across Australia, with each franchise allocated ten (10) players to their list. The new model rewards consistency, with an accumulative competition ladder ensuring teams will have to perform well at all three rounds to win the title.
Powerhouse wheelchair rugby states Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have been granted two franchise licences each to make up the six teams. Athletes from Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory will be eligible to compete and will be drafted into one of the six franchises, ensuring a truly national competition. It is understood the franchises will be aligned with current rugby clubs across Australia, allowing teams to take advantage of established fan bases, team colours and uniform synergies that this model presents.
Photos courtesy of Joep Buijs
Speaking on the new format, Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s General Manager, Chris Nay said “this new competition gives more opportunity for our players to play quality rugby, which has been missing for a number of years. It also provides greater opportunity to develop match officials and coaches to support the growth and sustainability of the sport into the future. A franchise model instantly has doubled our competing teams in the league, with the potential to grow the number of franchises as the competition progresses.”
“We have worked very closely with Paralympics Australia and the High-Performance program over the past 12 months to ensure we are providing a grassroots structure that best aligns to the national program”, he said.
“The collaborative efforts of all our state programs and Paralympics Australia in designing this structure and competition has been first class. We wouldn’t have achieved this without their commitment and support”, Nay continued.
The 2022 Wheelchair Rugby National League is set to commence in February in Melbourne, before heading to Sydney and then Brisbane for the final two rounds in April and May respectively.
Further Information:
Chris Nay, General Manager, Wheelchair Rugby Australia
M: 0405 036 727