WRWC 2026 Day Three Recap: Thrilling Anzac Day match sees Steelers defeat Brazil, head to Bronze
Day 3 of the World Challenge marked an historic moment for the Australian Steelers, playing for the first time on Anzac Day, donning a commemorative Anzac Day jersey. Before the match began, an Anzac Day commemoration took place, bringing the room to complete silence to mark the day. The Steelers were led out by Cooper Blackwood, with Greg Smith our flag bearer, delivering a day the squad will never forget.
Emotional scenes continued as Australian Steelers Captain Chris Bond presented Gabriel Feitosa de Lima with a commemorative Australian jersey in honour of Victor Luis Costa Caldeira. Victor was a much-loved member of the Brazilian Wheelchair Rugby team, who passed away earlier this month. The Australian Steelers and Wheelchair Rugby Australia extend our deepest sympathies to Victor’s loved ones, and to all members of Team Brazil.
When the athletes took to court, the deafening road of the crowd spurred our Steelers into action. Both teams played with incredible skill and determination in what could be described as one of the best showcases of the sport on Australian soil. Ultimately, the Steelers claimed victory – but it was bittersweet for the team. Due to the day two loss to Great Britain, the +/- score meant the Australians were just 2 tried shy from securing a place in the gold medal match, highlighting the incredibly close and competitive squads in the competition.
In our National Championship division 1, the Suncorp Queensland Cyclones and the Protect Victoria Thunder both defeated the New South Wales Gladiators. This saw Victoria cement their place top of the division standings and secure a ticket to the gold medal match. The Cyclones and Gladiators will face off tomorrow to start the final day of competition with the winner progressing to face Victoria.
In division 2, The ACT Buccaneers won against the South Australian Sharks but lost to Queensland Tornadoes in their evening match.
Our favourite junior athletes also returned, marking one year since the program launched. The athletes were all smiles, energy and laughter as they took to court together, supported by extended Steelers squad members including Jayden Jackson and Conor Tweedy
2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge Day One results
World Challenge results
GBR 54 vs GER 45
AUS 63 vs BRA 58
National Championship Division 1 results
QLD C 61 vs NSW 46
VIC 45 vs NSW 34
National Championship Division 2 results
SA 38 vs ACT 61
KEN 31 vs WA 67
ACT 39 vs QLD T 48
Finals day schedule
After Saturday’s matches, our Australian Steelers are headed to the Bronze medal match, while Great Britain and Brazil move to the gold medal match of the competition. Don’t miss your last chance to buy tickets to see these elite athletes compete in person and experience the electric atmosphere.
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