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The Australian Steelers have qualified for the 2026 World Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in Brazil by finishing second at the 2025 Asia Oceania Championships in Thailand.
With five teams vying for only two positions in the World Championship draw for the Asia Oceania region, the Steelers secured their passage by smashing Thailand 74-21 in Sunday’s semi-final.
With their main objective accomplished, the Steelers set out to put the icing on the cake in Monday’s final by trouncing the reigning Paralympic champions and arch-rivals Japan.
But as they did in devastating fashion in the Paralympic Games semi-final last year in Paris, Japan prevailed by the barest of margins, 53-52, to claim the regional title.
Australian Steelers Captain Chris Bond told Wheelchair Rugby Australia that he was pleased with the Steelers’ performances.
“This is what we came here to do. We’ve qualified for the World Championship, and this team is just getting stronger and stronger,” Bond said.
The Australian captain said the tournament was about more than just aiming for victory. The Steelers were able to face opponents they rarely encounter on the international stage, including Thailand and Malaysia. He noted the potentially positive impact that these tournaments have on developing the region.
“It gives us a chance to rotate our line-ups, give myself a breather, and just really play with companionship on the court,” Bond said.
“With the opposition, you just see their faces as they light up. After the game, they’re all getting our signatures so it’s a really cool, inclusive community environment and aspect of this competition.
“And the only way for them to get better is to go out there and play against opposition, and they can maybe start to replicate some of those plays when they go back home after this competition.”
The Australian Steelers have a formidable record at Wheelchair Rugby World Championship level. In the past four editions dating back to 2010, the Steelers have featured in all four gold medal matches, winning in 2022 and 2014.
By Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia.
Published 25 November, 2026.
