Six nations ready to collide at 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge
Wheelchair Rugby Australia has confirmed the final international teams set to round out the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge, with Germany and Brazil returning to the tournament alongside Denmark who will make their debut appearance.
They join the previously announced Great Britain and United States squads in travelling to Australia to challenge the reigning world champions, the Australian Steelers, in a fiercely competitive field.
The six-nation line-up brings together some of the most physical and skillful teams in the world, setting the stage for four days of elite international wheelchair rugby when the tournament arrives in Adelaide next month.
Renowned for its speed, power and intensity, wheelchair rugby is one of the most exhilarating sports across the globe, and the World Challenge will deliver a festival of international competition in front of a passionate home crowd.
The competition will run from Thursday 23 to Sunday 26 April 2026 at the State Basketball Centre in Wayville, Adelaide.
Chris Nay, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, said the announcement of the final teams further strengthens what promises to be a world-class tournament.
“The addition of Germany, Brazil and Denmark completes an outstanding international field and ensures fans will see some of the best wheelchair rugby players in the world competing in Adelaide,” he said.
“With some of the sport’s greatest athletes taking the court, the 2026 World Challenge will showcase the extraordinary skill, physicality and competitiveness that defines wheelchair rugby on the global stage.”
Mr Nay said the event would also provide Australian fans with the opportunity to support the Steelers on home soil.
“The Australian Steelers are ranked number two in the world and remain one of Australia’s most successful national sporting teams,” he said.
“Competing at home in front of a passionate crowd is incredibly special for the team, and we encourage fans from across the country to come to Adelaide, pack the stands and be part of an event that celebrates elite sport and the power of disability sport in Australia.”
Fans who attended the 2025 World Challenge will remember the electric atmosphere inside the venue, and this year’s tournament promises even more excitement both on and off the court.
The junior division will return in 2026 marking one year since its launch at last year’s World Challenge, while Australia’s National Championship will once again showcase wheelchair rugby talent from across the country. Team announcements and competition schedules will be confirmed soon.
Tickets are available now at www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/tickets
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
Partners: Village Gate, The Rugby Club Foundation, Suncorp, SG Fleet, Posca Hydrate, Kindly Healthcare and PhysioXtra Rehab Centre.