Wheelchair rugby program in Victoria moves from Disability Sport and Recreation to Wheelchair Rugby Australia

Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) and Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR) have made a strategic decision to transition the management of the wheelchair rugby program in Victoria to be directly under WRA’s leadership.

The move reflects the continued growth and evolution of wheelchair rugby in Australia, positioning the sport in Victoria under a dedicated, single-sport organisation to support athlete development and increase opportunities at all levels.

WRA is the National Sporting Organisation for People with Disability responsible for the sport of wheelchair rugby in Australia as recognised by the Australian Sports Commission and World Wheelchair Rugby. DSR has played a pivotal role in managing the wheelchair rugby program in Victoria for over four decades, helping build wheelchair rugby into the dynamic sport it is today.

Following careful consideration and planning, both organisations agree that transitioning the program under WRA’s direct management is an effective way to support the program’s continued development.

Chris Nay, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, said, “We sincerely thank Disability Sport and Recreation for their longstanding support and the invaluable contributions they’ve made over the years. We’re excited to build on that legacy, continuing to drive the sport’s growth and creating opportunities for our athletes to thrive."

Liz Tesone, CEO of Disability Sport and Recreation, said, "For more than 40 years, Disability Sport and Recreation has proudly led the development of wheelchair rugby in Victoria, supporting the sport at all levels of participation. We recognise this transition as a significant milestone in the sport’s evolution and are confident Wheelchair Rugby Australia will continue to build on the strong foundations established under DSR’s leadership. We remain committed to championing inclusive sporting opportunities for Victorians with disability.”

As part of the transition, WRA will oversee the development and delivery of wheelchair rugby sport programs in Victoria, while continuing to collaborate with DSR to promote participation and grow the sport at the community level.

This transition sees Victoria join a growing national framework, alongside Queensland and South Australia, managed under the WRA umbrella. This unified approach is aimed at delivering a consistent, equitable and high-performance pathway for wheelchair rugby athletes across the country from social participants to elite national-level competitors.

Victoria remains a powerhouse for wheelchair rugby, with strong participation and clear pathways for athletes who aspire to represent their state and their country on the international stage. The state remains a key location for wheelchair rugby, with Melbourne serving as the home training ground for Australia’s elite national wheelchair rugby team, The Steelers.

For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

Emily Newton
Manager – Media & Marketing
emily@wheelchairrugby.com.au
0481 121 440

Jessica Acocks
Community Engagement Manager
Media@dsr.org.au