Adelaide set for world-class wheelchair rugby as Steelers squad revealed
Fans are set for an unforgettable showcase of wheelchair rugby with the 12-strong Australian Steelers team announced ahead of the international tournament in Adelaide next month.
The Steelers will face a world-class field when the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge six-nation tournament returns, taking place from 23 to 26 April at the State Basketball Centre in Wayville, with Great Britain, the United States, Germany, Brazil and Denmark joining Australia for four days of elite competition.
Wheelchair rugby, one of the most dynamic sports in the world, combines speed, strategy and full-contact collisions, with athletes competing across four intense quarters in a contest that leaves crowds on the edge of their seats.
Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay said today’s announcement sets the tone for what promises to be an outstanding tournament.
“Today's team announcement showcases a strong athlete group that will represent Australia at home in the World Challenge,” Nay said.
“We are proud to have confirmed some of the best teams in the world for this year’s competition and having a strong home team representing the nation is something we are very much looking forward to.
“The 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge is about more than competition. It’s a chance to showcase wheelchair rugby to new audiences whilst putting the Steelers in front of big crowds in an atmosphere that rivals any major sporting event in the country.
“We know that Adelaide loves their sport, and the World Challenge will deliver a fast, physical and exciting opportunity to see wheelchair rugby and the Steelers on a global stage.”
Australian Steelers 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge team list
| Name | Classification | Jersey Number | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryley Batt | 3.5 | 3 | QLD |
| Chris Bond (C) | 3.5 | 10 | QLD |
| Andrew Holloway | 3.5 | 20 | NSW |
| Cooper Blackwood | 3.0 | 25 | QLD |
| Robyn Lambird | 3.0F | 24 | WA |
| Shae Graham | 2.5F | 12 | VIC |
| Andrew Edmondson | 2.0 | 14 | NSW |
| Lilliana Prucha | 2.0F | 7 | QLD |
| Beau Vernon | 1.0 | 11 | QLD |
| James McQuillan (VC) | 0.5 | 5 | VIC |
| Emilie Miller | 0.5F | 2 | QLD |
| Michael Ozanne | 0.5 | 6 | QLD |
Australian Steelers Captain Chris Bond said competing on home soil provides an extra level of motivation for the team.
“Playing for Australia is always special and doing it at home in front of Australian fans makes it even more meaningful,” Bond said.
“We know the quality of the teams coming to Adelaide will be extremely high, and that’s exactly the challenge we want. We are focused, motivated and excited to get out there and represent the Steelers.
“We have almost our full team back this year as we prepare for the upcoming World Championships so expect a stronger, more competitive Australian team to support in the World Challenge.
“Wheelchair rugby is one of the most intense sports you’ll ever see. It’s fast, physical and incredibly strategic, and when the crowd gets behind us, the energy in the stadium is electric and it lifts the whole team. There’s nothing else like it.”
The World Challenge is one of the premier events on the international wheelchair rugby calendar, bringing together some of the world’s best athletes to deliver speed, strategy and relentless competition.
Vice Captain James McQuillan said the team is determined to deliver performances that excite fans and showcase the sport at its best.
“The depth in this group is outstanding, and everyone selected has earned their place and is ready to deliver on home soil,” McQuillan said.
“Events like the World Challenge are where the best teams in the world push each other to the limit. We know the level of competition will be extremely high, and that’s exactly what we are looking for as we prepare to defend our World Championship title later in the year.
“We can’t wait to play in front of a home crowd and show exactly why wheelchair rugby is one of the most exciting sports you can experience live.”
The 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge will feature more than international wheelchair rugby – with the Australian National Championship and junior division running in parallel to create a true festival of wheelchair rugby in Adelaide.
Fans can experience the action live at the State Basketball Centre at Wayville or tune in across Australia with the tournament broadcast on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
Tickets for the event are on sale now, with full event, day and session passes available including dedicated Steelers primetime sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. To ensure you can find the right ticket for you, prices start as low as $11 + booking fees for a child day session, leading up to full event passes for adults at $143 + booking fees.
Tickets to see the Steelers compete in their evening sessions are just $38.50 + booking fees for adults. For more information and to secure tickets, visit www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/tickets
The 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge is made possible thanks to the support of Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s valued event partners:
Naming Rights Sponsor: Santos
Destination Partner: South Australian Tourism Commission
Broadcast Partner: Foxtel and Kayo Sports
Major Event Partners: Degnan, Lite n’ Easy
Partners: Village Gate, The Rugby Club Foundation, SG Fleet, Posca Hydrate, Plan Partners, Novita, Kindly Healthcare and PhysioXtra Rehab Centre
State Partners: Suncorp, Protect, estara.
Event website: https://www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/world-challenge
For more information about the event and media enquiries, please contact:
Emily Newton (Manager – Media & Marketing)
emily@wheelchairrugby.com.au
0481 121 440