Australia national wheelchair rugby team
Wheelchair rugby is a sport with national representation at the Paralympic games. The Australian Team is known as the 'Steelers'.
Australia AU | |
---|---|
IWRF Ranking | 4 (2021) |
Coach | Brad Dubberley Nov 2006- |
Paralympic Games | |
Appearances | 7 |
Medals | Silver: 2000 Summer Paralympics Silver: 2008 Summer Paralympics Gold: 2012 Summer Paralympics Gold: 2016 Summer Paralympics |
World Championships | |
Appearances | 8 |
Medals | Bronze: 2002 Silver: 2010 Gold: 2014 Silver: 2018 Gold: 2022 |
Australia has competed at every Paralympics Games since the sport gained full Paralympic Medal status at the 2000 Summer Paralympics. The Steelers also competed in the 1996 Summer Paralympics where wheelchair rugby was a demonstration sport. The 'Steelers' defeated Canada at the 2012 London Games to win its first gold medal. In 2014, it won its first World Championship by defeating Canada. In winning the world championship, the Steelers became the second nation in history to hold both the Paralympic and world championship titles concurrently.
Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) established in 2022 is responsible for the development and growth of the sport of wheelchair rugby in Australia. The sport is not included at the Special Olympics or the Deaflympics.