Adelaide will host the return of the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge, welcoming the world’s leading nations for a landmark international event across four days of competition.

The tournament, which starts tomorrow, will unite global powerhouse wheelchair rugby nations in South Australia, marking a significant milestone for the sport and a major moment for Adelaide’s events calendar.

Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay said the World Challenge reflects the momentum building behind the sport in a pivotal year internationally.

“The Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge is a powerful statement about where our sport is right now, and where it’s heading,” Nay said.

“To bring the world’s best teams to Adelaide is a huge milestone for wheelchair rugby in Australia, and a reflection of the momentum we’re building in this important year for the sport. This event is about high performance, but it’s also about showcasing the resilience, skill and intensity that make wheelchair rugby one of the most exciting sports in the world.

“Last year, the city of Adelaide really embraced us, and this year, I want our athletes to look into those stands to see new and returning fans wearing a sea of green and gold on the edge of their seats cheering for our Steelers.”

An innovative bus solution has also been delivered with support from Adelaide Metro following a successful run at the 2025 event. A free accessible shuttle bus service is available to accommodate wheelchair users, operating between several key CBD locations and the event venue throughout all days of the competition. Athletes, staff and volunteers will be given priority for this service.

To support delivering an accessible event for all patrons, Adelaide Metro will also provide free public transport to anyone travelling to and from the competition with a valid event ticket.

South Australia Minister for Tourism Emily Bourke said athletes, officials and fans from around the world have descended on South Australia for the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge.

“The tournament has seen incredible growth and we are thrilled to again play host, showcasing our state as an accessible and inclusive destination on the world stage,” Minister Bourke said.

“We continue to attract major sporting events and will provide free accessible public transport for ticket holders to make it even easier for South Australians to get behind our national team.”

Australian Steelers Vice Captain James McQuillan said the team is ready to compete on home soil in front of local fans.

“It’s such a special opportunity for this group to play at home in a world-class tournament” McQuillan said.

“It’s a massive year for wheelchair rugby in Australia as we prepare to defend our world championship title in August. The World Challenge is the launching point for our 2026 campaign, and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against some of the best teams in the world.

“Our group is drawing a lot of energy from the chance to play at home and represent Australia with the support of a massive Adelaide crowd, we can’t wait.”

The 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge is expected to deliver fast-paced, hard-hitting action, while also providing a platform to grow the sport and inspire the next generation of athletes.

The National Championships, where state teams face one another runs parallel to the competition, allowing attendees to witness world-class international competition and cheer for their state team without changing seats. The fan-favourite junior division also returns on Saturday and Sunday, almost one year since the program launched in Adelaide last year, with multiple local South Australian athletes ready to play in front of a home crowd.

Event details:

Event: 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge
Location: State Basketball Centre, Wayville, Adelaide, South Australia
Dates: Thursday 23 to Sunday 26
Tickets and information: www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/world-challenge

Fans are encouraged to secure tickets and be part of a landmark event for wheelchair rugby in Australia.

The 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge would not be possible without our event partners and sponsors. Thank you for your support in growing wheelchair rugby across Australia:

Naming Rights Sponsor: Santos

Broadcast Partner: Kayo Sports and Foxtel

Destination Partner: South Australian Tourism Commission

Major Sponsors: Lite n’ Easy, Degnan, Plan Partners

Partners: The Rugby Club Foundation, SG Fleet, Posca Hydrate, Kindly Healthcare and PhysioXtra Rehab Centre, Novita, Village Gate, Australian Sports Commission.
State Partners: Suncorp, estara, Protect.

Additional information, media interviews and vision can be arranged. Please contact:

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

Fast-paced, physical and impossible to look away from: the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge rolls into Adelaide