Defending World Champions: Steelers squad named for São Paulo 2026
Chris Bond and Michael Ozanne take on team Brazil at the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge. Photo: Brad Anderson
The Australian Steelers are ready to chase back-to-back World Championship titles, with Wheelchair Rugby Australia today unveiling the 12-athlete squad set to wear the green and gold at the 2026 World Wheelchair Rugby Championship in São Paulo, Brazil.
As the defending World Champions, Australia heads into the tournament with the target firmly on its back, aiming to once again prove itself against the world's best when matches begin from 17 August.
The squad brings together some of the sport's most accomplished athletes alongside a new generation of talent, led by captain Chris Bond and vice-captain James McQuillan.
Among the headline selections is Ella Sabljak, who returns to international competition for the first time since becoming a mother, while rising stars Cooper Blackwood and Lilliana Prucha have earned their first World Championship selections after impressive performances through Australia's high-performance pathway. Beau Vernon will also be playing in his first World Championship, having contributed to the Australian Steelers 2024 Paralympic campaign.
With the official tournament schedule now confirmed, Australia's title defence will begin against international rival Canada in a blockbuster opening fixture.
Australian Steelers team list – 2026 World Championship
| Name | Classification | Jersey Number | State | Games played for the Australian Steelers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Bond (C) | 3.5 | 10 | QLD | 280 | Ryley Batt | 3.0 | 3 | QLD | 369 |
| Cooper Blackwood | 3.0 | 25 | QLD | 23 |
| Shae Graham | 2.5F | 12 | VIC | 116 | Ella Sabljak | 2.5F | 1 | QLD | 41 |
| Andrew Edmondson | 2.0 | 14 | NSW | 209 | Josh Nicholson | 2.0 | 21 | QLD | 132 |
| Lilliana Prucha | 2.0F | 7 | QLD | 22 |
| Beau Vernon | 1.0 | 11 | QLD | 37 |
| James McQuillan (VC) | 0.5 | 5 | VIC | 65 |
| Emilie Miller | 0.5F | 2 | QLD | 61 |
| Michael Ozanne | 0.5 | 6 | QLD | 205 |
Wheelchair Rugby Australia Chief Executive Officer Chris Nay said the selected team represented the continued strength of the Australian program and the culture that has positioned the Steelers among the world's elite.
"Pulling on the Steeler’s jersey is special at any time, but especially when looking to defend a World Championship title," he said.
"What a wonderful opportunity that is for these Steelers athletes in São Paulo next month. We are of course proud of all the athletes selected to represent Australia in Brazil; it is an exciting team with a wonderful mix of youth and experience across the 12 players. Every athlete selected has played their part in getting us to this point, and we’re excited by what this team can achieve in São Paulo."
“It would be remiss of me however not to mention the tireless efforts of our additional squad members who have contributed immensely on the journey to get here, along with the contribution of our coaches and broader staffing cohort who will no doubt be willing the Steelers on in every match of their campaign. The entire wheelchair rugby community is behind this team.”
Nay said the selection of Sabljak, Vernon, Prucha and Blackwood highlighted both the proven experience and emerging talent that continues to define the Australian Steelers.
"Ella's selection is a wonderful story. Returning to international competition after becoming a mother speaks volumes about her dedication, determination and love for representing Australia. We know she'll make a significant contribution both on and off the court.
"For Cooper, Beau and Lilliana, this will be their first opportunity to experience a World Championship. They've embraced every challenge placed in front of them and have demonstrated they have what it takes to compete at this level."
The tournament will be the first major championship under Acting Head Coach Lewis Quinn, whose tenure has already delivered bronze and silver medal performances in 2026 at the Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge and Canada Cup respectively, providing the ideal platform as the Steelers pursue World Championship gold in São Paulo.
“World Championships are different to any other competition,” Quinn said.
“They’re the largest tournament on our calendar and the only tournament that features quarter finals. Having to play eight matches all against the top teams in the world, speaks volumes to the importance of having your strongest 12 athletes, to ensure you arrive at the final matches in the best condition, ready to perform.
“Selecting a World Championship team is one of the toughest responsibilities as a coaching group because we have so many athletes capable of representing Australia at this level. The depth we've built across the program meant there were some incredibly difficult decisions, and I want to acknowledge every athlete who has been part of this campaign. Those selected to travel to Brazil are only one part of this team, and the athletes who have contributed throughout the year but weren't selected have played an equally important role in helping us prepare for this championship.
“We've never shied away from expectation. We embrace the challenge of being a team that everyone wants to beat, and we're travelling to Brazil with one goal: to bring the World Championship trophy back to Australia. Canada is a quality side and opening our tournament against them creates a fantastic opportunity to set the tone. Like every nation competing, we've prepared thoroughly and we're looking forward to the challenge.”
The 2026 World Wheelchair Rugby World Championship will take place from 17 to 23 August in São Paulo, Brazil, with Australia opening its campaign against Canada. Matches will be streamed live on the World Wheelchair Rugby YouTube channel.
Competition schedule
| Versus | Local time in São Paulo (BRT) | Time in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne (AEST) |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | Monday, 17 August, 16:00 | Tuesday, 18 August, 05:00 |
| New Zealand | Tuesday, 18 August, 11:00 | Wednesday, 19 August, 00:00 |
| Brazil | Wednesday, 19 August, 19:30 | Thursday, 20 August, 08:30 |
| United States of America | Thursday, 20 August, 11:30 | Friday, 21 August, 00:30 |
| Netherlands | Thursday, 20 August, 17:30 | Friday, 21 August, 06:30 |
| Quarter Finals | Friday 21 August, TBC | TBC |
| Semi Finals | Saturday, 22 August, TBC | TBC |
| Finals | Sunday, 23 August, TBC | TBC |
For more information, imagery or interviews, contact:
Emily Newton (Manager – Media & Marketing)
emily@wheelchairrugby.com.au
0481 121 440