Australia’s beloved Steelers are making a highly anticipated return home after a long absence, set to compete in a prestigious Wheelchair Rugby World Challenge in Adelaide. The event will take place at the Netball SA Stadium from May 29 to June 1, 2025, and will coincide with the national championships and a new junior division.
Chris Nay, chief executive of Wheelchair Rugby Australia, expressed his excitement for the sport’s evolution, stating that it is poised to “break ranks and really challenge the mainstream.” He believes the time has come for wheelchair rugby to transcend its previous categorization as a disability sport, aiming instead to capture a prominent place in the Australian sporting landscape.
“For years, disability sports have been viewed as separate from mainstream athletics,” Nay explained. “We’re working to bridge that gap. Our athletes deliver a product that is just as engaging as many of the mainstream sports out there today. From crowd engagement to viewership experience and athleticism, we believe we stand shoulder to shoulder with the most dynamic sports globally.”
Paralympian Ryley Batt, a key figure for the Steelers and a veteran of 353 games, is eager to showcase his skills in Adelaide. Currently recovering from elbow and shoulder surgeries, Batt missed a recent Steelers tour to Japan but is determined to be fit for the home event. “The announcement of this tournament on home soil, playing in front of fans and against top-tier competition, is fueling my hunger to get back on the court,” he said.
With the Steelers’ return, the stage is set for a thrilling celebration of wheelchair rugby that promises to captivate both dedicated fans and newcomers alike.
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