The countdown is over - the 2025 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge kicks off TODAY in Adelaide!
WHEELCHAIR RUGBY AUSTRALIA
The countdown is over – the 2025 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge kicks off tomorrow in Adelaide!
For immediate release | Thursday 29 May, 2025
Adelaide is set to host the world’s best as the 2025 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge begins today, marking a historic moment for sport in Australia.
The 2025 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge is set to electrify Adelaide from 29 May to 1 June at Netball SA Stadium. This inaugural event marks the first time since 2018 that the Australian Steelers will compete on home soil, bringing together elite international teams from Australia, Canada, Brazil, Germany, New Zealand, and the Netherlands.
The competition also includes the Wheelchair Rugby National Championship and a newly introduced junior division, making it the most comprehensive wheelchair rugby event globally this year.
Chris Nay, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for the event:
“Thursday's opening whistle signals more than just a game - it’s a celebration of resilience, elite performance, and the power of inclusive sport. Australia has a proud tradition in wheelchair rugby, and hosting the World Challenge gives us the chance to showcase the elite competition and skill of our athletes to an audience that might never have experienced a game."
"We’re calling on all Australians to fill the stands, get behind our Steelers, and be part of something unforgettable. We hope this event leaves a legacy beyond medals and memories and really moves the needle for greater awareness, accessibility, and engagement with disability sport across the country and the world."
For Adelaide local Tai Martin-Page, who makes his debut for the Steelers at the World Challenge, the experience is already unforgettable.
“To make my debut in my hometown, in front of family and friends is a huge honour. We’ve trained hard, we’re ready, and all that's left is to hear the crowd in the stadium cheering us on,” said Martin-Page.
"I’m here to learn, compete, and give everything I’ve got. Representing Australia is privilege and the Steelers have a rich history and a reputation for excellence. To be part of that legacy now is something I don't take for granted."
Joining Martin-Page in making their Australian Steelers debuts are Conor Tweedy, Damien Mortaud and Lilliana Prucha.
The South Australian Government has thrown its support behind the event with a multi-year hosting agreement, solidifying the state as a leader in major accessible sporting events and ensuring that Adelaide will continue to host the World Challenge through 2026.
Minister for Tourism, Zoe Bettison said:
“There is no better place than South Australia to host the largest Wheelchair Rugby event in the world in 2025.
“It was wonderful to see people from around Australia come out to support the Wheelchair Rugby National Championships in Adelaide last year, and the event is only set to grow with the addition of the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge and junior’s division.
“South Australia is proud to host this world-class competition. Events like this showcase our sporting spirit, boost tourism, and highlight our State’s commitment to inclusive, high-impact events.
“With international rivalries, fast-paced action, and elite athletes, get down to the Netball SA Stadium this week for a tournament not to be missed.
Tickets still available to witness wheelchair rugby’s world-class action
Limited tickets for the 2025 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge are still available. Don’t miss the chance to witness world-class wheelchair rugby and support the Australian Steelers in their quest for victory.
Dates: Thursday 29 May – Sunday 1 June 2025
Venue: Netball SA Stadium, Adelaide
Tickets: Available now
Event website: https://www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/world-challenge
Event dropbox : https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/6jq3rexg05s7nc5c5u1ig/AEf8QsLIuD0wMMACbvr1JbM?rlkey=f8v6dzucrpi33yzwhmoher1ky&st=7cq0yml9&dl=0
Training B Roll :
For Further information : Sarah Abbott 0409 092 255
Key Facts:
· The 2025 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge (WRWC) is coming to Adelaide from 29 May to 1 June, hosted by Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA).
o It is the largest wheelchair rugby competition in the world in 2025.
o It marks the first time the Australian Steelers have competed on home soil since 2018.
o There are 6 countries competing in the competition: Australia, New Zealand, Canada Brazil, the Netherlands, Germany.
· Running alongside the WRWC is the existing domestic competition, the National Championships, which sees states compete against each other across 2 divisions, joined by the Chungnam providence of South Korea.
o The competition will be played across 2 Divisions
§ Div 1: New South Wales, Chungnam, Queensland Cyclones, Western Australia, Victoria.
§ Div 2: Queensland Tornadoes, ACT, South Australia
· WRA will introduce a new juniors division on Saturday and Sunday, using brand new juniors chairs. The juniors age range is 8 to 14 years.
· Tickets are on sale now, with whole event, day sessions and Steelers evening sessions to purchase: https://www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/tickets
Quick stats*
· Over 60 Aus players across the event
o Made up of approx. 12 Steelers, 45 domestic comp athletes, 10 juniors
· 65 international players
· 10 juniors will jump into brand new chairs specifically designed for the juniors’ competition on Saturday and Sunday
· 7 SA-based players across the whole event (most greater Adelaide)
· 18 female athletes across the whole event
· 40 of games across whole event
· 16 teams across the whole event
o 6 playing in the World Challenge international games, 5 in National Championship division 1, 3 in National Championship division 2, 2 in the juniors comp
*Athlete numbers are subject to any last-minute team changes or injuries.
Contact details:
Sarah Abbott 0409092255
