South Australia is gearing up to welcome back one of the world’s premier accessible sporting events, with the Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge set to return to Adelaide from 23–26 April 2026. The announcement marks another major win for the state’s growing calendar of elite international competitions and reinforces its reputation as a global leader in inclusive sports tourism.
Teams from across the world will converge on Adelaide for four days of action broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports, bringing elite athleticism, fierce rivalry and an electric atmosphere to the newly redeveloped State Basketball Centre at Wayville. The tournament will see Australia’s national wheelchair rugby team, the Australian Steelers, take on top-ranked nations in a showcase of speed, strength and tactical brilliance. Currently sitting at number two in the world, the Steelers have a formidable record on international courts and remain crowd favourites for their big hits and high-stakes play.
Alongside the headline tournament, fans can look forward to community engagement activities and opportunities to get close to the players throughout the event. The World Challenge will once again run in tandem with the Australian National Championship and will include the return of the junior division, which debuted in 2025 to roaring crowds and offered young athletes the rare chance to compete on a national stage. With the $92 million multi-sport redevelopment at Mile End’s Netball SA underway, the move to the State Basketball Centre allows organisers to elevate the experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said, “Hosting the 2026 Santos Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for South Australia and will elevate our state’s reputation as a leading accessible events destination on the world stage. Ranked number two in the world, the Australian Steelers have an immense pedigree of winning international tournaments. Major international sporting events like this not only inspire our community but also drive visitation and showcase our state to audiences worldwide. We’re proud to support an event that celebrates sporting excellence and inclusivity. We’re thrilled to host it and encourage the community to save the date and register their interest.”
Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay highlighted the significance of the tournament, stating, “The World Challenge is the highest level of competition we have in Australia on home soil. It brings some of world’s best players together for a week of intense competition. This event brings together the best nations in the world and competing here in Australia will elevate the sport, encourage new athletes to get involved and showcase the incredible power of wheelchair rugby. We’re looking forward to welcoming teams, fans and volunteers from every corner of the globe.”
Australian Steelers captain Chris Bond added, “The World Challenge is the highest level of competition we have in Australia on home soil. It brings some of world’s best players together for a week of intense competition. We can’t wait to return to the court in Adelaide and put on a show for everyone who comes along. Hopefully we can look up into the stands and see some familiar faces in what I know is going to be an amazing event.”
Tickets will be available in early 2026. Fans can register now at wheelchairrugby.com.au/tickets.
More News
