Day 3 Recap | 2025 National League – Sunshine Coast Clash
The 2025 Wheelchair Rugby National League has officially wrapped up in spectacular fashion, with the University of Queensland Red Heavies crowned as this year’s champions.
All photos by Joep Buijs Photography
In a nail-biting Division 1 final, the Red Heavies claimed victory over Bond University in a clash that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Both teams fielded star-studded line-ups, with Bond welcoming the firepower of Jayden Jackson and Andrew Holloway, while the Red Heavies were bolstered by the addition of Cooper Blackwood. With so many Australian Steelers on court, the match delivered world-class skill and incredible moments of strategy and teamwork.
In Division 2, it was a battle of the Victorians as Melbourne University and Box Hill went head-to-head. The Melbourne Unicorns proved unstoppable, finishing the weekend undefeated and sealing the division title for the Clash. Box Hill fought hard and tested their opponents throughout, but with Ben Chalker in irresistible form and the Unicorns’ cohesion shining through, Melbourne were simply too strong.
The juniors wrapped up the weekend with a game that matched the intensity of the Division 1 and 2, packed with fearless play and big hits. After a hard-fought contest, nothing could separate the two sides, with the final score locked at 17–17 – the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable weekend of wheelchair rugby.
Match results
Division 1
University of Queensland - 57 vs Bond - 46
Division 2
Melbourne University - 41 vs Box Hill - 25
Juniors
Green - 17 vs Gold - 17
2025 Wheelchair Rugby National League award winners
2025 National League Champions - University of Queensland
Division 1 player awards
Most Valuable Player: Chris Bond
Best Low-pointer: Emilie Miller
Best Mid-pointer: Jayden Jackson
Best High-pointer: Andrew Holloway
Best Coach: Ben Newton
Division 2 player awards
Most Valuable Player: Ben Chalker
Best Low-pointer: Sean Senbel-Lynch
Best Mid-pointer: Zak Robertson
Best High-pointer: Alby Everett
Best Coach: Andy Phillips
Still haven't got your rugby fill? The hits don't finish on the Sunshine Coast just yet with a special one-off Test Match between the Australian Steelers and the Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby team on Thursday 25 September at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, tipping off at 3pm. Entry is free - come down and witness some of Australia and Great Britain's best athletes in action.