WRWC 2026 Finals Day Recap: Australia takes Bronze in World Challenge, Queensland cleans up in National Championship
Finals day at the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge closed out four days of world-class competition in Adelaide, with Brazil crowned champions, Great Britain finishing with silver and the Australian Steelers securing bronze on home soil.
In front of a strong crowd, the final matches delivered the speed, energy and precision that have defined the tournament from the opening whistle – showcasing some of the best wheelchair rugby to have ever been played in Australia.
The Steelers’ podium finish was a fitting reward for a resilient campaign, responding when it mattered to close out their tournament on a high. Brazil’s consistency across the week saw them take control on finals day, while Great Britain again proved why they remain a benchmark on the international stage.
In the National Championships, Queensland completed a dominant showing, claiming both Division 1 and Division 2 titles. Their performance across the competition reflected the depth of talent within the state and the continued growth of the domestic game and ended the New South Wales winning streak for Division 1.
Finals day also provided a glimpse into the future, with junior athletes taking to the main court in a special showcase. In front of an international audience, the next generation demonstrated the strength of Australia’s pathways, reinforcing the foundation being built for the years ahead.
Read on for the final match results, as well as all award winners from the competition.
2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge Day One results
World Challenge results
· AUS 60 vs USA 48
· GBR 50 vs BRA 58
National Championship Division 1 results
· QLD C 55 vs NSW 40
· QLD C 48 vs VIC 47
National Championship Division 2 results
· ACT 53 vs SA 34
· QLD T 47 vs WA 41
World Challenge All Star team
Best High Point: Gabriel Feitosa de Lima (Brazil)
Best Mid Point: Mason Symons (USA)
Best Low Point: Lucas Franca Couto Junqueira (Brazil)
Best Coach: Adam Scatturo (Great Britain)
MVP: Jack Smith (Great Britain)
National Championship Division 1 All Star team
Best High Point: Brayden Foxley-Conolly (Suncorp QLD Cyclones)
Best Mid Point: Ella Sabljak (Suncorp QLD Cyclones)
Best Low Point: Jake Howe (NSW Gladiators)
Best Coach: Ben Newton (Suncorp QLD Cyclones)
MVP: Shin Shimakawa (Protect VIC Thunder)
National Championship Division 2 All Star team
Best High Point: Natalie Millar (Suncorp QLD Tornadoes)
Best Mid Point: Scott Vitale (Suncorp QLD Tornadoes)
Best Low Point: Dane Kinder (West Coast Enforcers)
Best Coach: Ben Newton (Suncorp QLD Tornadoes)
MVP: Matt Thompson (Suncorp QLD Tornadoes)
Quentin Fleischfresser Spirit of the Game: Richard Voris (NSW Gladiators & ACT Buccaneers)
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