Sunshine Coast to host wheelchair rugby nationals
The Sunshine Coast will play host to the final showdown of the 2025 Wheelchair Rugby National League, as Queensland teams lead the competition heading into the season finale.
Wheelchair Rugby Australia and Joep Buijs Photography
Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sunshine Coast Council, strengthening the region’s role as a key supporter of inclusive sport and confirming the Sunshine Coast as the host of Round 3 of the 2025 Wheelchair Rugby National League, to be held at the Caloundra Indoor Stadium over the weekend September 19-21, 2025.
This new partnership will see WRA and Council work together to champion adaptive sports, promote athlete development pathways, and shine a national spotlight on the intensity and excitement of elite wheelchair rugby.
Dubbed the Sunshine Coast Clash, Round 3 of the 2025 National League will bring together top wheelchair rugby teams from across the country to compete in one of the world’s most dynamic and hard-hitting parasports.
“The Sunshine Coast has proven itself as a champion for inclusive community sport,” said Chris Nay, CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Australia.
“This MoU signifies a long-term vision for growth and inclusion, and we’re excited to bring the new Sunshine Coast Clash as the thrilling conclusion to the 2025 National League to such a passionate and supportive region.”
Sunshine Coast Council Resilient Economy Portfolio Councillor Terry Landsberg said Council was proud to support the growth of parasport and play a role in delivering more development opportunities for athletes.
“Establishing the Sunshine Coast as a high-performance base and place for high-profile events for Wheelchair Rugby Australia reflects our commitment to elite sport, inclusion, and long-term athlete pathways,” Cr Landsberg said.
“Along with the 2028 UCI Para-cycling Road World Championships and hosting the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic marathon and road-based cycling events, our new partnership with Wheelchair Rugby Australia strengthens and further positions our region as a key destination for parasport, and creates lasting benefits for athletes, schools and the wider community.”
Come cheer on Australia’s top para-athletes live!
The 2025 National League season has been dominated by the Queensland teams, with the University of Queensland currently holding the top spot, and Bond University close behind in second following strong performances at the Brisbane Bash and Melbourne Invitational earlier this year.
WRA invites Sunshine Coast locals, sports fans, schools and community groups to come and experience the thrill of wheelchair rugby live. This is a unique chance to support para-athletes, celebrate inclusive sport, and witness some of the country’s most powerful and tactical athletes in action.
The National League plays a pivotal role in developing athletes for international competition, including selection for the Australian Steelers, the national team, and the national development team.
This year’s competition calendar has also featured a special development round at the Sydney Slam, giving valuable court time to emerging talent and social wheelchair rugby players from across Australia.
The Sunshine Coast Clash also marks the final major domestic event before a packed international schedule in late 2025. October will see intensive training camps ahead of two key campaigns in November: the national development team’s tour to Prague for Rugbymania, and the Australian Steelers’ defence of their title at the prestigious Asia-Oceania Championships.