Australia Faces Netherlands in Historic World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge Final

Adelaide, 1 June 2025 — The world’s largest wheelchair rugby tournament of the year reaches its dramatic finale today as host nation Australia takes on the Netherlands in the gold medal match of the 2025 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge (WRWC).

Held at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, this year’s Challenge has marked a triumphant return to home soil for the Australian Steelers — their first major international outing in Australia since 2018.

The tournament features six elite nations: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Germany, competing over four intense days of action-packed sport.

The highly anticipated final kicks off at 2:15pm (local time), with fans donning green and gold to support the Steelers, who have seen a resurgence of new talent this year. Half of the 2025 squad made their debut this year, including Tai Martin-Page, Lilliana Prucha, Damien Mortaud, Conor Tweedy, Jayden Jackson, and Cooper Blackwood.

Adding to the momentous occasion, today also marks a milestone for trailblazer Shae Graham, Australia’s first female Steelers athlete, who will play her 100th game for the national team in front of a home crowd.

Alongside the international showdown, the WRWC has also hosted the National Championships, Australia’s premier domestic wheelchair rugby competition. Teams from across the country, along with a visiting delegation from South Korea’s Chungnam province, have battled it out across two divisions:

• Division 1 Final: Suncorp Queensland Cyclones vs New South Wales Gladiators

• Division 2 Final: South Australia Sharks vs ACT Buccaneers

The combined WRWC and National Championships event has seen over 40 games played, 16 teams competing, and a celebration of both elite and emerging talent. In total, over 60 Australian players, 65 international athletes, and 18 female competitors have participated — making this the most diverse and inclusive event of its kind to date.

Tickets for the final day are still available: Get yours here and help fill the stands as Australia fights for gold.

Go Steelers!