Batt returns alongside Australian Miners at Prague’s Rugbymania 2025
Ryley Batt at the 2024 Canada Cup. Photo credit: Kevin Bogetti-Smith
The Australian Miners Development Squad is set to compete at Rugbymania 2025 in Prague, Czech Republic, from 13 to 15 November.
One of the world’s premier international wheelchair rugby tournaments, Rugbymania attracts teams from around the globe for fast-paced, high-level competition where competing countries are known to test out new line-ups and strategic plays.
For the Miners, the tournament is more than just an international outing, it’s a chance for the team develop, test themselves against elite opposition, and gain invaluable experience in a world-class environment.
Coach Ben Newton said: “Our aim heading into Rugbymania is two-fold: firstly, to immerse this development squad in a strong-competition environment where they’re challenged at every turn; and secondly, to bring a performance mindset.”
“Every competition is an opportunity to learn, raise standards and lay the foundations for future events. The team lists for other entrants show that the competition in Prague will be fierce, and that’s exactly the kind of experience we want for our players,” Newton said.
“The Miners may be our development squad, but this is not your regular development competition. This is elite wheelchair rugby, and our athletes are going to be representing Australia with pride. We’re looking forward to strong a competition where we will be playing for results.”
Adding to the excitement, Ryley Batt will make his return to competitive wheelchair rugby following a break after the Paris 2024 Games.
“After 22 years competing for Australia, it was good to take 13 months away from the sport to repair the body and rest the mind,” Batt said.
“I am absolutely pumped to get back on the court wearing the green and gold with the Australian Miners development squad in Prague.
“Rugbymania is the perfect chance to test myself, share my experiences and knowledge with the Miners, and help grow future Steelers players.”
Rugbymania has been held annually since 1998 and the 2025 edition will feature 16 teams across two leagues, competing at the Sport Centre Rokytka in Prague. The tournament offers both high-level competition and an opportunity for players to develop, bond, and showcase the skills that will carry them into future international championships.
Australian Miners Development Squad – Rugbymania 2025
| Name | Classification |
|---|---|
| Ryley Batt | 3.5 |
| Brayden Foxley-Conolly | 3.5 |
| Cooper Blackwood | 3.0 |
| Robyn Lambird | 3.0F |
| Conor Tweedy | 2.5 |
| Jayden Jackson | 2.0 |
| Jake Howe | 1.0 |
| Damien Mortaud | 0.5 |
| Cameron Wales | 0.5 |
| Will Taheny | 0.5 |
Team Staff: Ben Newton (Coach), Richard Voris (Assistant Coach), Sam Fox (Team Manager), Sam Wells (Performance Analyst), Lily Pridham (Mechanic), Katie Sanford (Physiotherapist), Emily Anthanasiou (Nurse), Kaylah Dagher (Nurse).
Fans are encouraged to follow the Miners’ journey via the Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) social media channels for regular updates, photos and match results. A live stream of the competition is expected to be set up and will be shared on WRA’s pages when it is available.
Australian Miners scheduled match times
| Versus | Local Central European Time | Australian Eastern Daylight Time |
|---|---|---|
| Prague Robots (MIX) | Thursday, November 13, 13:00 | Thursday, November 13, 23:00 |
| Cheltenham Tigers (GBR) | Thursday, November 13, 17:30 | Friday, November 14, 03:30 |
| Nacka Spiders (SWE) | Friday, November 14, 18:00 | Saturday, 15 November 2025, 04:00 |
Results of these games will inform what finals game the Miners will play on Saturday, 15 November.
For more information about the tournament, visit rugbymania.cz.
Shortly after the Miners finish their competition in Prague, the Australian Steelers will head to Thailand for the 2025 Asia Oceania Championship – more information including the Steelers team list for this competition will come soon.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Emily Newton
Manager – Media & Marketing
emily@wheelchairrugby.com.au
0481 121 440