Tickets now on sale for 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge
Elite international sport returns to Adelaide, with USA and Great Britain making first-ever appearances at the World Challenge to face the formidable Australian Steelers.
Tickets are officially on sale for the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge (WRWC), one of international wheelchair rugby’s premier showcase events, set to run Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 April 2026 at the State Basketball Centre, Wayville in Adelaide.
Widely regarded as a top-tier competition that brings together the world’s elite athletes in full-contact sport after its debut last year, this year’s tournament carries extra significance with USA and Great Britain confirmed to compete at the World Challenge for the first time, elevating the competitive stakes and spotlighting Adelaide on the global stage.
Attendees will get to experience the Australian Steelers, ranked #2 globally and renowned for their fierce physicality, tactical precision and consistent medal-winning performances, perform at home as part of key preparations ahead of their World Championship campaign later this year where they look to defend their title.
The final spots for the WRWC will be announced in the coming weeks as teams finalise their travel plans – but fans should expect to see some familiar faces from the 2025 competition. Final teams and a tournament schedule will be shared later this month.
The international event will run alongside the Wheelchair Rugby National Championship where Australian State teams go head-to-head and will see the return of the Juniors Division giving up-and-coming talent the chance to shine in front of passionate crowds.
Chris Nay, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, said the 2026 World Challenge represents the highest calibre of wheelchair rugby competition staged in Australia outside of the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.
“We are proud to see the progression of the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge. It has quickly become a globally recognised competition for our sport.” he said.
“Having premier teams such as the USA and Great Britain competing here in Adelaide for the first time gives our Australian Steelers the chance to test themselves against the best, and hopefully we will see the Australian public right behind the Steelers as they progress through the competition.”
South Australian Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison emphasised the significance of the competition on both the sporting and global tourism stage.
“The 2026 World Challenge showcases Adelaide as a hub for major accessible sporting events and reinforces South Australia as the nation’s official Best Event State,” Minister Bettison said.
“Bringing elite international athletes to our city – from the USA and Great Britain as well as domestic competitors – not only inspires our local community but brings visitors to our State while attracting global attention.”
Team Great Britain says their athletes are ready to embrace the challenge.
“Our athletes are ready for this challenge,” said Jason Brisbane, CEO of Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby.
“There’s nothing our players enjoy more than testing themselves against the strongest nations in the sport.
“Facing top opposition at the World Challenge in Adelaide is exactly the kind of opportunity that brings out the best in us. The intensity, the physicality, the level of competition; that’s what drives our team. We’re excited to go head‑to‑head with the world’s best and embrace everything this event brings.”
Joe Delagrave, Head Coach USA Wheelchair Rugby, echoed that sentiment.
“We are honoured to be a part of this competitive tournament featuring top teams on the road to World Championships,” he said.
“Wheelchair rugby at this level is all about physical, mental and tactical excellence. To compete against powerhouse teams like Australia and Great Britain on this stage is exactly the test our team seeks as we look ahead to World Championships and ultimately LA28.”
The Australian Steelers squad for the WRWC is slated for announcement in March 2026, with team selection highly anticipated following the squad’s strong international form and deep medal history.
Like in 2025, the Steelers will take to the court at peak primetime viewing to support local fans coming in after work or enjoying Adelaide’s vibrant evenings. With four days of high-octane sport, community engagement activities and inclusive fan experiences, the 2026 WRWC promises world-class wheelchair rugby action.
Full Event, Day and Session Passes are available for every day of the competition, including dedicated Steelers Primetime Sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, culminating in Finals Day on Sunday. This year, the event also introduces family passes at a discounted rate following high demand of locals supporting the 2025 event.
Tickets are available now via www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/tickets. Secure your place to watch history in the making.
The Santos 2026 Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge would not be possible without the support of our event partners and sponsors. Thank you for your support in growing wheelchair rugby across Australia:
Naming Rights Sponsor: Santos
Destination Partner: South Australian Tourism Commission
Broadcast Partner: Foxtel and Kayo Sports
Major Event Partners: Degnan, Lite n’ Easy
Event website: https://www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/world-challenge
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Emily Newton
Manager – Media & Marketing
emily@wheelchairrugby.com.au
0481 121 440