Building on a strong foundation for wheelchair rugby in Western Australia
Wheelchair Rugby Australia and Rebound WA are pleased to announce the successful transition of the wheelchair rugby program in Western Australia to Wheelchair Rugby Australia, effective 1 July 2026.
The transition reflects a shared commitment to growing wheelchair rugby across the country by strengthening participation opportunities, athlete pathways and community connections, while ensuring continuity for the state’s athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and supporters.
Rebound WA has played a significant role in developing wheelchair rugby in Western Australia, helping establish a strong and passionate community over many years. WRA will now build on that foundation by aligning local delivery with the sport's national strategy.
Rebound WA Chief Executive Officer Simon Mead said the transition represents an exciting opportunity for the Western Australian wheelchair rugby community.
"Since the birth of wheelchair rugby, we have always been the custodians of the sport in Western Australia. It is now appropriate that we pass along responsibility, as it is a sport that has really come of age." Mr Mead said.
"We're incredibly proud of what has been achieved alongside our athletes and volunteers, and we're grateful to everyone who has helped grow wheelchair rugby across Western Australia.
"Working closely with Wheelchair Rugby Australia has ensured a seamless transition, and we're confident the sport is well positioned for continued growth under the leadership of its National Sporting Organisation."
Wheelchair Rugby Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Nay said the organisation was committed to building on Rebound WA's legacy.
"We sincerely thank Rebound WA for their leadership and commitment to wheelchair rugby over many years, whose work has created a strong platform for the future of the sport in Western Australia," Mr Nay added
"Our focus now is on supporting the existing community while creating more opportunities for people across Western Australia to discover wheelchair rugby, strengthen local pathways and continue building one of Australia's leading disability sports across the country."
The transition follows a period of collaboration between the two organisations to ensure there is no disruption to existing programs or services. Wheelchair Rugby Australia will now lead the delivery and development of wheelchair rugby across Western Australia, continuing to work closely with athletes, volunteers, partners and the wider community to grow participation throughout Western Australia.
Following the success of the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge, and the recent transition of the Victorian program to fall under Wheelchair Rugby Australia, this transition marks another important milestone in the continued growth and vision of a more aligned system of wheelchair rugby in Australia while reinforcing a shared commitment to creating more opportunities for people with disability to connect, compete and thrive.
For media enquiries please contact:
Emily Newton – Manager – Media & Marketing, Wheelchair Rugby Australia
0481 121 440
Sam Starkie – Marketing and Communications Officer, Rebound WA
(08) 6143 5800