Schools Program

Thank you so much for your interest in attending the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby National League - Melbourne Invitational as part of the Schools Program, powered by Officeworks. We would love to have you and your students witness Australia’s greatest Paralympic team sport live, and learn more about the power and benefits of sport for people with disabilities.

Please view the Schools Program flyer here, which can be circulated to students and families prior to the event.

We understand that you may not have come across our sport or the event before, below is some FAQs. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jayme Saggers (Operations Executive) at jayme@wheelchairrugby.com.au.

To be released:

  • Teacher Resource pack, modified for each stage group which includes information on what is wheelchair rugby, classroom engagement activities and adaptive physical activities games.

  • What to expect on the day

WRA will be in contact with attending schools when they are released to ensure integration into learning plans.

Please submit your school’s registration to attend here.

Register Here

FAQs

  • Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced, full contact team sport for male and female quadriplegics (tetraplegics). 

    The sport was originally called Murderball due to the aggressive nature of the game. It is a contact sport where collisions between wheelchairs form a major part of the game. Wheelchair rugby combines elements of rugby, basketball, gridiron and handball. 

    Unlike many other sports, men and women compete on the same teams and play in the same competitions.  

    Each team has four players on court and the aim is to score by carrying the ball across the goal line.

    More information on the rules of wheelchair rugby can be found in the Teacher Resource Packs or here.

  • The Melbourne Invitational is the first round of the Wheelchair Rugby National League, which brings together Australia’s best wheelchair rugby athletes to compete for their state across 3 days of action packed games.

  • The Wheelchair Rugby Schools Program, powered by Officeworks, invites school students from Prep to Year 12 to learn about the power and importance of adaptive sport and watch a game live!

    On the day, students are able to meet wheelchair rugby athletes, with photo and signing opportunities.

  • There are three schools program sessions available, however timings can be flexible to suit your schools needs.

    Friday, 27 February 2026

    Session 1: 9.30am-11am

    Session 2: 11am-12.30pm

    Sunday, 1 March 2026 (Boarding Schools)

    Games will be on from 9am-12pm, schools are welcome to join us at a time that is most convenient, with the Gold Medal match tipping off at 11.15am.

  • This is a free event!

    Student, staff and support workers are welcome to join us without a ticket, as long as they cheer extra loud!

  • As a disability sport, Wheelchair Rugby Australia understands the diverse needs of attending participants, and will make all efforts to accommodate to the best of our ability. There will be wheelchair seating, and outside spaces available as needed.

    Please contact Jayme at jayme@wheelchairrugby.com.au directly for any questions.

  • Students are welcome to eat their morning tea or lunch in the reception of the venue or outside.

  • An athlete meet and greet will be available to students attending each session. Students are encouraged to get creative with signs and questions to ask the athletes.