Wheelchair Rugby Australia recognised as National Sporting Organisation by the Australian Sports Commission

Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) was this week informed by the Australian Sports Commission of its successful application to become a recognised National Sporting Organisation (NSO) for the sport of Wheelchair Rugby in Australia. The recognition will formally commence on 1 July 2023.

The historic decision ensures for the first time, wheelchair rugby will have a standalone, independent, dedicated body delivering the sport across the nation.

Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) had previously operated as a separate business division of Disability Sports Australia (DSA), where it was determined that the sport had grown to the point where it was in its best interest to transition toward becoming its own independent organisation. After progressing through the transition process successfully with DSA, WRA became its own independent organisation in August of 2022.

The establishment of WRA now as a recognised NSO with the Australian Sports Commission is the culmination of a four-year plan to provide wheelchair rugby a more robust, progressive and connected administrative body for all participants.

Speaking on the decision, Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s CEO Chris Nay said, “The positive impact that this recognition will have on our game cannot be understated. To have our own dedicated, independent entity recognised by the ASC is historic in many ways for our sport and, was a necessary step in our progression toward a best-practice governance model. We are incredibly proud to be a formalised part of the Australian sporting community through recognition with the ASC.”

Australian Sports Commission CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said it’s a significant step for WRA.

“We’re delighted to officially welcome WRA as one of our newest NSOs. I congratulate the WRA team for the work they have done to fulfil ASC’s requirements for recognition,” Mr Perkins said.

“Recognising a sport like WRA is important to the ASC as we strive to have every Australian seeing a place for themselves in sport.”

The exciting announcement comes on the eve of the 2023 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championship on the Gold Coast, which will be broadcast live across the country on KAYO Sports and Foxtel.

Tickets are still available for the showcase event, details below:

Dates: Friday 2 – Sunday 4 June

Time: 9am – 6pm

Venue: Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre

Tickets & Information: https://www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/national-championship