Clubs confirmed for the new-look 2022 Wheelchair Rugby National League

Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) is pleased to unveil the inaugural clubs set to compete in the new-look Wheelchair Rugby National League for 2022.

Melbourne Rugby Club (VIC), Box Hill Rugby Club (VIC), University of QLD Rugby Club (QLD), Brothers Rugby Club (QLD), Sydney University Rugby Club (NSW) and Tuggeranong Vikings Rugby Club (ACT) will compete across three rounds of competition between February and May in 2022. This innovative competition model places wheelchair rugby on the mainstream stage through partnerships with elite level rugby clubs across the country, allowing for fan bases, team colours, uniform alignments and media exposure to be developed.

Whilst there is no club representing the proud wheelchair rugby states of South Australia and Western Australia in the league just yet, leading talent from those areas were included in a national player draft, to ensure the competition is one of national proportions. As the competition grows, the inclusion of a seventh club from one of these areas becomes a distinct possibility.

Over 60 athletes from NSW, QLD, VIC, ACT, WA, SA & TAS have been drafted into the six competing clubs with squad lists to be announced in the coming weeks.

Disability Recreation & Sport (VIC), Sporting Wheelies & Disabled Association (QLD) and Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT (NSW) have the direct relationships with the clubs and engaged them to be a part of the new competition, and must be commended for their cooperation and commitment to a new era for the sport.

WRA’s General Manager, Chris Nay commented, “The potential impact this competition will have on wheelchair rugby in Australia cannot be understated. Our state members have done a fantastic job in securing 6 of the most well-respected and high performing rugby clubs in the country to participate in its inaugural year. We are confident the model will work to develop talent across coaches, players and officials into the future.”

“From the outset, the cooperation and support from the rugby clubs has been first class. Their commitment to being involved in the National League highlights the inclusion of wheelchair rugby into the broader rugby family. We are hopeful to soon grow this competition into a well-recognised competition across Australia and the world, where an international player draft and more teams can be introduced”, he continued.

The 2022 Wheelchair Rugby National League is set to commence in February in Melbourne, before heading to Sydney and then Brisbane for the final two rounds in April and May respectively.

2022 Wheelchair Rugby National League

Round 1:           Victorian Invitational
                        Cobblebank Stadium
                        25 – 27 February 2022

Round 2:           Sydney Slam
                        Hills Hornets
                        22 – 24 April 2022

Round 3:           Brisbane Bash
                        Brisbane Entertainment Centre
                        27 – 29 May 2022

Further Information and Media Enquiries

Contact: Chris Nay (General Manager, Wheelchair Rugby Australia)
M: 0405 036 727
E: chris@wheelchairrugby.com.au