Brisbane set to host historic World Wheelchair Rugby Cup alongside Men’s Rugby World Cup in 2027
Brisbane will host the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup from 25 to 29 October 2027, bringing eight of the world’s leading teams to Nissan Arena for one of the most significant events in Australian wheelchair rugby history, leading into quarterfinal week of the adjacent Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
The five-day tournament will give Australian fans the chance to see the sport’s biggest names compete for a major international title, with organisers aiming to attract the largest crowd recorded for a dedicated wheelchair rugby event outside the Paralympic Games.
Staged between the Round of 16 and quarterfinals of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, the tournament will connect two major international sporting audiences and build on the successful model established in Paris in 2023.
The tournament will showcase wheelchair rugby at its most intense and skilful, with national teams competing in a fast-paced, full-contact sport where male and female athletes compete together in mixed teams.
For Queensland, the event will add another world-class competition to Brisbane’s major events calendar, reinforcing its position as a leading international sporting destination as momentum builds towards the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The event will bring athletes, officials, supporters and visitors to Brisbane, support Queensland’s visitor economy and reinforce the state’s reputation for delivering accessible, world-class international sport on the runway to Brisbane 2032.
The blockbuster event was announced at Brisbane today.
Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the Government was determined to secure more major international events and ensure Queenslanders benefited from the opportunities they created.
“The Crisafulli Government has made tourism a priority, backed it with record investment and we’re going after the world’s biggest events to deliver for Queenslanders,” Minister Powell said.
“That means more customers for local businesses, more shifts for Queensland workers and more reasons for visitors to stay longer and explore our great State.”
Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said securing the tournament is an example of Queensland’s ambition for para sport.
"We want Queensland to be a world leader in para sport, and its tournaments like this that highlight the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for every athlete," Minister Mander said.
Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay said hosting the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup in Brisbane would be a landmark moment for the sport in Australia.
“Bringing the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup to Brisbane puts Australia at the centre of the international calendar and gives fans the chance to experience one of the game’s biggest events at its absolute best on home soil,” Mr Nay said.
“To be aligned with Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is an opportunity to introduce new fans to our high-octane, entertaining, collision sport in front of record crowds on home soil and via international broadcast.
“It would be remiss of me not to mention the significant support we have received from multiple partners to bring this milestone event to life. First, we are extremely grateful to be working in partnership with the Queensland Government on this milestone event. Their vision and commitment to our sport has been exemplary across our dealings thus far.
“Similarly, the support of World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Paralympics Australia, the Australian Sports Commission and the Queensland Academy of Sport has played an influential role in securing this event. We are grateful to be working with such strong, values aligned organisations and look forward to delivering a record result for them in 2027.
“This tournament is also about creating a lasting impact beyond five days of competition – strengthening the sport’s profile, creating opportunities for athletes and the wider wheelchair rugby community, and contributing to Queensland’s growing reputation as a destination for major international events.”
Australian Steelers athlete Ryley Batt, who is proud to call Queensland home, said competing for a World Cup on home soil would be a defining opportunity for the team and the sport.
“More than half of our current high-performance athletes are based in Queensland, so playing a World Cup at Nissan Arena in front of friends and family would mean everything. We want Queenslanders and fans across Australia beside us, making noise and helping create the biggest dedicated wheelchair rugby crowd the sport has seen outside the Paralympic Games.”
Together, these events will strengthen Queensland’s international profile and help build a legacy of world-class sport in the years surrounding Brisbane 2032.
The event is being delivered with the support of World Wheelchair Rugby and World Rugby, creating a rare opportunity to connect two major international sporting audiences in Brisbane during a significant period on the global rugby calendar.
EVENT DETAILS
World Wheelchair Rugby Cup
Monday 25 to Friday 29 October 2027
Nissan Arena, Brisbane, Queensland
Tickets are expected to go on sale early 2027 – Register your interest to receive event updates and early ticket information.
Information about tickets, sessions, participating teams, venue access, accessible transport, seating and the full event schedule will be published as arrangements are confirmed.
Visit www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/world-cup for more information.
ABOUT WHEELCHAIR RUGBY
Wheelchair rugby is a fast-paced, full-contact mixed-gender team sport created by athletes with quadriplegia. Combining elements of rugby, basketball and handball, it is played by athletes with eligible impairments affecting both the upper and lower limbs. The sport was invented in Winnipeg, Canada, in 1977 and has since grown into an intensely tactical international competition known for speed, physical contact and precision.
WORLD WHEELCHAIR RUGBY CUP HISTORY
The World Wheelchair Rugby Cup builds on the model established by the 2023 International Wheelchair Rugby Cup in Paris, staged alongside Men’s Rugby World Cup 2023. That five-day tournament brought together eight leading nations and 96 athletes, with Australia defeating Canada 53 to 48 in the final. Brisbane 2027 will use the experience of Paris to deliver a bigger, bolder and more accessible event for athletes and spectators.
A WORLD RECORD AMBITION
Wheelchair Rugby Australia is aiming to make history in Brisbane by attracting the largest crowd ever recorded for a dedicated wheelchair rugby event outside the Paralympic Games. The ambition is to fill Nissan Arena, create an unforgettable atmosphere for athletes and fans, and demonstrate the global audience the sport can command.
BROADCAST
Broadcast arrangements for Australian and international audiences will be announced once agreements and approvals are finalised.
Media enquiries:
Vision, photos and interviews available upon request. Please contact:
Emily Newton
Manager – Media & Marketing
emily@wheelchairrugby.com.au