The Australian Steelers have delivered a commanding performance against Great Britain at the World Championship, defeating them 60 to 44 to book their place in the gold medal match.

In a repeat of their quarter final starting line-up, Chris Bond, Ryley Batt, Shae Graham and Emilie Miller took to the court and immediately set the tone. Also echoing the previous match, Batt opened the scoring for Australia, crossing for the first try of the contest as the Steelers established early control.

Graham was a force to be reckoned with from the opening whistle, producing a series of perfectly timed hits on Great Britain’s Tyler Walker to force an early turnover. Miller was equally uncompromising in defence, positioning herself perfectly to leave Walker again with nowhere to go and force another turnover in quick succession.

With Australia’s communication on court working brilliantly, Great Britain called a timeout inside the opening three minutes and changed their starting line-up as they looked for a way to match the Steelers’ intensity.

The packed stadium continued to fill as fans arrived to watch two wheelchair rugby heavyweights go head-to-head, but Australia remained composed under the pressure.

Great Britain skilfully denied Australia access to a final try in the opening quarter, but the Steelers were unbothered, taking a 17 to 11 lead into the first break.

The Steelers continued to deny Great Britain opportunities in the second quarter while rotating through combinations across the court, showcasing the talent and depth throughout the squad. Cooper Blackwood delivered a beautiful try in the final moments of the half to send Australia into the break with a comfortable 30 to 20 lead.

The quality of Australia’s rotations continued after half-time, with the Steelers able to maintain their intensity and control regardless of the combination on court. By the end of the third quarter, Australia had extended its advantage to 47 to 32, before finishing the contest strongly to secure a 60 to 44 victory.

Graham was named Player of the Match following a relentless performance across the contest, delivering a non-stop display of perfectly executed wheelchair rugby.

Australia’s Andrew Holloway, who joined the team last minute after Lilliana Prucha fell ill before competition said this week has been a whirlwind. Today, Prucha had recovered enough to proudly cheer for her teammates in the stands.

“Coming here at the start of the week not thinking I'm playing at all and then getting decent time on court has been fantastic and a dream come true really,” Holloway said.

He said unlike at the World Challenge hosted in Adelaide earlier this year where the Steelers fell to Great Britain, this time the team was prepared.

“I think in Adelaide we underestimated them a bit too much and they got the jump on us at the start of the game and we couldn't reel it in and then this one we didn't make that mistake. We jumped them and got ahead.”

Michael Ozanne is celebrating his fourth World Championships with the team, and says the special thing about this campaign is the way the teamwork has been front and centre of every decision.

“Everyone's got on court, everyone's made a big impact on court and we're all just getting along. It's been one of the best environments I've been in so far in the team,” he said.

The victory sends Australia through to the gold medal match and extends one of the most remarkable runs in international wheelchair rugby, with Australia having now reached the World Championship final at each of the last five editions of the tournament.

Australia will face the United States in the final, after they beat Japan in a close and thrilling match. Australia previously defeated USA in the pool matches, but no doubt both teams have been playing close attention to each other’s play style this competition, as the game is set to be a rematch of the 2022 World Championship, where Australia edged out USA in the final to take home the title.

Tune in to World Wheelchair Rugby’s YouTube to watch the final match of the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby World Championship, Sunday 23 August 4:30pm BRT / Monday 24 August 5:30am AEST.

📺 Watch live: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYHEYOIRc7Eg&si=jCWr9reDUSlYU-8h

Let's go, Steelers. 🇦🇺

For more information, or access to imagery and interviews, contact:

Emily Newton (Manager – Media & Marketing)
emily@wheelchairrugby.com.au

Steelers storm into World Championship final after commanding win over Great Britain