Lewis Quinn to lead Steelers into next chapter of high performance
Australian Steelers Acting Head Coach Lewis Quinn. Photo credit: Joep Buijs
Wheelchair Rugby Australia have today announced the appointment of Lewis Quinn as the Australian Steelers Acting Head Coach for 2026, marking an exciting and forward-looking new chapter for the national wheelchair rugby program.
A driven sport scientist and highly regarded coach, Quinn brings a rare blend of tactical insight, performance expertise and deep program knowledge to the role. He has been part of the Steelers environment for over 8 years, most recently as Head of Analysis, and has been an instrumental strategist across multiple international campaigns, helping shape the team’s competitive identity at the highest level.
His contributions have underpinned some of the most successful moments in recent Steelers history, including gold medals at the 2022 World Championships and 2023 International Wheelchair Rugby Cup, and a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Quinn has worked across a diverse range of sports before joining wheelchair rugby, including AFL, shooting and para table tennis, developing strong expertise in performance analysis and a deep understanding of high-performance environments.
He will be supported by a strong and experienced coaching group, including Jason Lees, Ben Newton and Richard Voris, all former Steelers who bring their own unique strengths, lived experience and coaching styles.
Quinn says he welcomes the opportunity: “The Steelers have a proud history and what excites me most is the athletes we have right now. We’ve got an incredible amount of talent, experience and depth. My focus is on bringing the group together and continuing to evolve how we prepare, develop and perform. I’m passionate about the tactical and strategic elements of the game and about using evidence and insights to support our athletes to play with freedom and instinct. I want to create an environment centred on trust and connection, where we feel supported to challenge ourselves and our teammates.
“Having supported the program since 2017, this role feels like a natural next step. The Steelers have had incredible success under Brad’s leadership, and my goal is to build on those foundations, while we continue to grow and innovate. It’s a significant year for the Steelers, with another tournament in front of a home crowd in April – the Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge – followed by the Canada Cup, as we prepare to defend our World Championship title later this year. We’re excited by the opportunities ahead and ready to make Australians proud.”
Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay said Quinn’s appointment represents a defining moment for the Steelers and the sport more broadly.
“Lewis’ appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the Steelers and for wheelchair rugby in Australia. He brings deep program knowledge, proven high-performance experience and a clear vision for how this team can continue to evolve,” he says.
“It also reflects the maturity and ambition of the Steelers program. Lewis represents the next generation of high-performance leadership, combining tactical intelligence, innovation and a deep commitment to athlete-centred coaching.
“Lewis is a highly capable leader who has been instrumental in some of the Steelers’ greatest achievements in recent years, and this appointment provides both continuity and momentum for the program. We’re confident he is the right person to lead the Steelers into this next chapter, supported by a strong coaching group and aligned with our broader vision for the future of wheelchair rugby.”
The appointment follows the announcement of former Head Coach Brad Dubberley’s departure earlier this month after three decades with the sport as both an athlete and a coach, having played an instrumental role in the Steelers’ long and proud history of success.
As the Steelers look ahead to the next phase of international competition, Quinn’s appointment provides both stability and momentum by building on proven success with the team while embracing innovation, connection and growth across the program.