Fourth straight win sees Steelers secure direct World Championship qualification

AUSTRALIA vs THAILAND

Day Four – 2025 Asia-Oceania Championship, Bangkok, Thailand

 Photo credit: Albin John and Wheelchair Rugby Australia

In a stunning fourth consecutive win at the Asia-Oceania Championship, the Australian Steelers have officially secured their place at the 2026 World Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in Brazil, following a strong victory over host nation Thailand.

The Steelers entered the match with qualification on the line, and despite Thailand delivering one of their most spirited performances of the tournament, they held firm, showing composure, depth and experience to claim the win and lock in one of the region’s two available World Championship berths.

Steelers Captain Chris Bond said the result was the first major step in the team’s mission this week: “This is what we came here to do. First step qualify, and second step to try and win tomorrow, win the gold medal, beat Japan – one of our fiercest rivals.”

“So we're one step into that, we've qualified for the World Championship, and this team is just getting stronger and stronger.”

The week has been more than just aiming for victory, as Bond reflects on the unique opportunity it provides to compete against nations Australia rarely faces on the international stage, including Thailand and Malaysia, and the positive impact that these tournaments have on developing the region.

“It gives us a chance to rotate our line-ups, give myself a breather, and just really play with companionship on the court," Bond said.

"With the opposition, you just see their faces as they light up. After the game, they're all getting our signatures so it's a really cool, inclusive community environment and aspect of this competition.

“And the only way for them to get better is to go out there and play against opposition, and they can maybe start to replicate some of those plays when they go back home after this competition.”

Looking ahead to a blockbuster final showdown against Japan tomorrow, Bond delivered a clear message to supporters watching from home: “You won't want to miss this one."

"Japan versus Australia – it's always a cracker. It's fast, there will be big hits, it's very strategic, it's most likely going to go down to the wire.

"They're a very strong team. They're ranked number one in the world for a reason, and they're the reigning Paralympic gold medallists from last year. But we're ready. We've had four wins in a row, we're building some momentum and we're feeling really strong.

"We're not giving way many turnovers, we're playing very clean and that's part of our game style, and if we can do that tomorrow, it's ours to lose. I'll be backing us in the green and gold."

Australia will now prepare for the Asia-Oceania Championship gold-medal match against long-time rivals Japan held Monday 24 November at 2:45pm local time / 6:45pm AEDT. Watch the world's top two rankings go head-to-head. You can catch the livestream on the World Wheelchair Rugby YouTube page.

Final score: Australia 74 defeated Thailand 21

Revisit our day one, two and three match summaries.

Photos, vision and additional interview opportunities available upon request. For more information and media enquiries, please contact:

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