Hard-hitting, fast-paced wheelchair rugby championships set for SA

Bolstering South Australia’s calendar of elite sporting events, Wheelchair Rugby Australia has today confirmed Adelaide will host the sport’s national championships for the next three years.

Supported by the State Government, the flagship event will see some of the nation’s best wheelchair rugby athletes – and at least two invitational international teams – converge on Adelaide to contest next year’s championship.

The 2024 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championship will be held at Netball SA Stadium from 2 – 5 May, which will be the last opportunity for supporters to see Australia’s best players in action on home soil before competing in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

It is the first multi-year deal from a state government to host the event, and is expected to attract athletes, officials and supporters to what is the largest annual wheelchair rugby event in the southern hemisphere. 

The Wheelchair Rugby National Championship adds to South Australia’s growing calendar of sporting highlights in 2024, including the Santos Tour Down Under, the Adelaide International tennis, Gather Round, LIV Golf Adelaide, Adelaide Equestrian Festival, Suncorp Super Netball Grand Final, and the VAILO Adelaide 500. 

Tickets to the 2024 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championship will be available in December 2023.

Major Events Attraction Committee Chair, Leon Bignell said the $40 million Major Events Fund has been a real shot in the arm for the South Australian economy as the state has secured events across the arts, sports and conference sectors. 

"The national wheelchair rugby championships is another great addition which will bring interstate money into SA businesses and support local jobs," Mr Bignell said. 

"Competitors, friends, family and fans will travel to Adelaide to see one of the fastest, most exhilarating sports in the country and we will be able to get to see the players in action before they head to Paris for the Paralympics."

Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO, Chris Nay said the significance and impact this commitment by the South Australian Government will have on wheelchair rugby in Australia cannot be understated. 

"We have worked hard to develop the profile of this event over the past few years and this announcement is a testament to our broader community of athletes, officials, classifiers and stakeholders whose continued efforts have resulted in this opportunity to deliver the event on a greater scale," Mr Nay said.

"We are incredibly humbled to be included in the esteemed list of sporting offerings the South Australian government provide to their community and are committed to providing a fantastic experience to wheelchair rugby and sport fans across the country through this agreement."