WRWC 2026 Day Two Recap: Steelers regroup to close out day with sensational win
The Steelers experienced both sides of international competition on day two of the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge, responding strongly after an earlier setback to finish the night on a high in front of a vocal home crowd.
Australia went down to Great Britain in their second match of the competition, but showed composure and resilience in the final game, closing out a hard-fought win over the United States in front of a deafening home crowd.
Day two also featured the Invictus Australia exhibition match, held as part of Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s Anzac commemorations. The match highlighted the ongoing impact of wheelchair rugby in supporting veterans and building connection through sport, reinforcing the significance of the program beyond the international competition. You can learn more about the work of Invictus Australia on their website.
The focus now shifts to Anzac Day, with a special commemoration set to take place ahead of the Steelers’ prime time match. Fans are encouraged to arrive or tune in by 6:20pm AECT to be part of the moment.
Saturday also marks the return of junior competition, which will see the next generation back on court almost one year on from when the program was launched in Adelaide at the inaugural World Challenge.
2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge Day One results
World Challenge results
· USA 54 vs BRA 58
· AUS 49 vs GBR 57
· GER 58 vs BRA 60
· AUS 57 vs USA 48
National Championship Division 1 results
· QLD C 45 vs VIC 49
· NSW 45 vs QLD C 55
National Championship Division 2 results
· ACT 42 vs WA 47
· SA 35 vs QLD T 44
· SA 54 vs KEN 38
Tickets for this weekend are still on sale – don’t miss out on the opportunity to see international wheelchair rugby in Adelaide.
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. Photos by Joep Buijs Photography and B.Rad Sports Photography.