WRWC 2026 Day One Recap: Aussies set the tone early with opening match win

The 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge is underway, and it’s delivering tight scorelines, big hits and high energy through the opening matches, with Great Britain edging the USA before Brazil turned the tables in a thriller.

Our Australia’s Steelers also made their statement early, taking home a 65 to 46 win over Germany in front of a roaring home crowd at the State Basketball Centre in Adelaide, South Australia. Fast, physical and composed, the Steelers controlled the game from the outset and set the tone for their campaign.

It also marked a new chapter on the sideline. Acting Head Coach Lewis Quinn led the Steelers at international level for the first time with a confident opening win. This game also marked the first time that Australian Steelers legend Ryley Batt had the opportunity to play on home soil in eight years.

Across the World Challenge and National Championship divisions, the message is clear: this week will be tough, tight and hard-earned. You don’t want to miss this!

Photo credit to Joep Buijs Photography and B.Rad Sports Photography

Read on for the daily match scores.

2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge Day One results

World Challenge results

  • GBR 56 vs USA 52

  • AUS 65 vs GER 46

  • GBR 55 vs BRA 60

  • USA 53 vs GER 43

National Championship Division 1 results

  • QLD C 51 vs VIC 50

  • VIC 60 vs NSW 52

National Championship Division 2 results

  • WA 48 vs QLD 49

  • KEN 32 vs ACT 45

  • WA 48 vs SA 40

  • QLD T 47 vs KEN 31

The games continue over the next three days, with first tip-off tomorrow at 10:05am local. The Australian Steelers are set for a huge day, going head-to-head with Great Britain in the morning and the United States in the afternoon.

But that’s not all that’s special, as tomorrow Invictus Australia will be hosting a special exhibition match at 2:20pm as part of the WRWC’s Anzac Day commemorations.

Grab your tickets to see the action live or find out how to watch and show your support from home.

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.

Media interviews, photographs and vision can be arranged. Please contact:

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

Compiled by Alessia Zappala and Emily Newton

Events, Match ReviewsEmily NewtonWorld Challenge, Steelers, EventComment