Australia’s dominant wheelchair rugby team, the Steelers, will make their long-awaited return to home soil for the high-profile Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge, set to take place in Adelaide from May 29 to June 1, 2025.
The event, which will be held at Netball SA Stadium, marks a major milestone for wheelchair rugby in Australia, as it will run alongside the national championships and introduce an exciting junior division for emerging talent ABC News report.
According to Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay, the sport is poised to enter the mainstream sporting landscape.
“We think our sport is ready to take the next step and be the first to break away from the stigma of disability sport,” Nay said. “For years, disability sport has been seen as separate from mainstream competition, but we’re working to close that gap.”
The Steelers have long been a dominant force in international wheelchair rugby, and their homecoming tournament is set to attract top-tier competition from around the world.
One of Australia’s most celebrated Paralympians, Ryley Batt, has been the face of the Steelers throughout his illustrious 353-game career. Currently recovering from elbow and shoulder surgery, the 35-year-old is determined to be back in action in Adelaide.
“Playing on home soil, in front of our fans, against world-class competition—it’s making me hungry to compete again,” Batt said. “I can guarantee I’ll be in the gym first thing tomorrow morning.”
Batt, who was born without legs and with missing fingers on each hand, credits sport with transforming his life.
“Growing up, I struggled with my identity. I didn’t like who I was,” he said. “But wheelchair rugby changed that. It gave me confidence, a sense of belonging, and an outlet for my competitive nature.”
The physicality of the sport immediately drew him in.
“I love the contact. People don’t realize that in wheelchair rugby, you’re actually encouraged to knock opponents out of their wheelchairs,” he added with a grin.
Among those eagerly watching Batt’s journey is 10-year-old Riley Nixon, a rising junior player who will compete in the tournament’s new junior division
“Ryley is my hero,” Nixon said. “I can’t wait to play and, hopefully, watch him in action for the Steelers.”
With a world-class event, a growing junior division, and a push to integrate wheelchair rugby into mainstream Australian sport, the Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge in Adelaide is set to be a landmark moment for the game.