*Australian Steelers Captain, Chris Bond, after the Steelers Bronze Medal win at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games*
*Photo credit Megumi Masuda & WWR*

Wheelchair Rugby Australia has today confirmed that top-flight international wheelchair rugby will return to Australian shores in 2025, with the hosting of the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge, a new event on the global wheelchair rugby calendar which will see the all-conquering Australian Steelers playing at home for the first time since 2018.

The new-look competition format will see the Paralympic Bronze Medallists, and world number two (2) side the Australian Steelers, take on international powerhouses Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Brazil and the Netherlands in the world division, spanning four days (29 May – 1 June 2025). The new competition will run alongside the existing Wheelchair Rugby National Championship, along with a newly introduced junior’s division, ensuring Adelaide will now host the largest wheelchair rugby event in the world in 2025.

Supported by the South Australian Government in a host agreement, the event will be staged at the Netball SA Stadium, Adelaide and be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports across the four days play, with the Australian Steelers seeded first in the competitions top draw.

Speaking on the historic announcement, Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s CEO Chris Nay said, “This is an ambitious undertaking but one that I know our sport and community is ready for. For over twenty years the Australian Steelers have been one of, if not the highest performing national team our country has produced, yet the many Australian’s remain unfamiliar with their story. The last time the Steelers played at home was in 2018, it is difficult to build brand affinity and a following when we are constantly competing overseas. We are motivated to work with the South Australian Government to bring first-class international wheelchair rugby to Australia’s doorstep and highlight the power of the Australian Steelers in the process.”

“The event also promotes domestic growth, with both the National Championship and juniors’ division running alongside the World Challenge, each a priority for us in ensuring the grassroots and pathway sections of the game are given the opportunity to thrive to a heightened level. Understandably, the selection of the Steelers squad will have consequences on lineups at the National Championship level, however with the right mix of international imports and the anticipated spike in domestic players, we are confident we can provide a fresh product that is must-see.” Mr Nay continued.

Australian Steelers Head Coach Brad Dubberley said “our Australian Steelers team is extremely excited for the first World Challenge to be held in Adelaide in May this year. This will be the first time since the 2018 World Championships where we have been able to play in a competition at home with such a strong field of international teams.”

“To be able to compete here on home soil, in front of our families, friends and fans and showcase our great sport to the Australian community is an opportunity that excites us. I have absolutely no doubt we will gain many new fans of this sport and this team as a result” Mr Dubberley continued.

Competing Teams - World Challenge

(1) Australia
(2) Canada
(3) Germany
(4) Brazil
(5) New Zealand
(6) Netherlands

Competing Teams – Wheelchair Rugby National Championship

Division 1

QLD Cyclones
NSW Gladiators
SA Sharks
VIC Protect Thunder
WA Enforcers
Chungnam (Korea)

Division 2

QLD Tornadoes
NSW
TBC

To accommodate the additional matches the competition extends to four (4) days of play, with 2x competition courts set to run concurrently from 9am through until 7:30pm daily. In addition to the international division, Chungnam Province of Korea joins the list of National Championship starters, whilst the South Australian Sharks receive promotion into the top division at the National Championship and the NSW Gladiators, who will be aiming for an unprecedented fifth consecutive National Championship title.

Tickets to the 2025 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge will be available from February 2025. Register your interest now for first access to tickets: https://www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/world-challenge

Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge

Venue: Netball SA Stadium, Keswick Terminal Adelaide SA 5035
Dates: Thursday 29 May – Sunday 1 June 2025
Times: 9am – 7:30pm Daily
Tickets: To go on sale in February
Event Website: www.wheelchairrugby.com.au

International wheelchair rugby set to light up Adelaide