NRL Wheelchair and Invictus Australia unite to expand opportunities for veterans and families

NRL Wheelchair and Invictus Australia are proud to announce a new three-year partnership aimed at creating greater opportunities for veterans and their families to participate in Wheelchair Rugby League across Australia.

Commencing in May 2026, the partnership will focus on building inclusive participation pathways, strengthening social connections, and supporting veterans and their families to engage in the sport regardless of ability, background or experience.

The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to the power of sport in improving physical wellbeing, mental health, social connection and community belonging, backed by evidence that speaks to the positive impact sport can have on the lives of veterans and their families.

Through the partnership, Invictus Australia and NRL Wheelchair will work together to:

• provide a welcoming environment to introduce veterans and their families to the sport nationally
• create inclusive sporting opportunities for veterans and families to engage long term in Wheelchair NRL
• promote the sport of Wheelchair Rugby League nationally
• share participant stories to highlight the impact of adaptive sport on defence communities across Australia
• support the role Invictus Australia plays in the Adaptive Sport Program
• explore incentives and new participation opportunities for veterans and their families.

The partnership aims to provide meaningful pathways into the sport of Wheelchair Rugby League for veterans and families of all abilities, whether as players, volunteers, officials, coaches or community members.

Australian Wheelaroo, Brad Grove, introducing Invictus competitors to Wheelchair Rugby League

NRL Wheelchair CEO, Anna Fitzgerald said:

“Wheelchair Rugby League already has a strong veteran presence, with many drawn to the physicality, mateship and camaraderie that the sport provides.

“This partnership with Invictus Australia will help create even more opportunities for veterans and their families to connect through sport, feel part of a supportive and inclusive community, and discover a new sense of purpose and belonging.”

Invictus Australia Director of Community Participation and Impact, Toni Cumpston said:

“Wheelchair sports have long played an important role in adaptive sport, including at events like the Invictus Games, and are deeply valued by many veterans and families in our community.

Through our partnership with NRL Wheelchair, we have an exciting opportunity to bring inclusive sporting experiences into communities across Australia, helping more people connect, participate and experience the benefits of local sport.

For veterans and families, sport can be a powerful pathway to connection, wellbeing and belonging, and this partnership will help make those opportunities more accessible.”

The partnership will launch through a series of community engagement events and Come & Try initiatives, designed to introduce veterans and their families to the sport.

Wheelchair Rugby League Community: Australian Wheelaroo, Pete Arbuckle, competing in the 2018 Invictus Games alongside teammates Jeff Wright and Davin Bretherton.

Australia Wheelaroo and veteran, Peter Arbuckle represented Australia at the Invictus Games in 2017 and 2018, where he won gold.

“Finding purpose after service can be one of the biggest challenges many veterans face. Sport gave me that purpose again. Through the Invictus Games and Wheelchair Rugby League, I found community, connection and the drive to keep pushing myself forward,” said Peter.

“Wheelchair Rugby League has been a huge part of my life since 2017. It’s more than just a sport, it’s a family. It gives veterans a place to belong, a team to be part of, and a new mission beyond service.

“This partnership is so important because it opens the door for more veterans and their families to experience the physical, mental and social benefits that come from being involved in Wheelchair Rugby League and community,” he added.

Wheelchair Rugby League continues to grow across Australia, providing inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities to compete together at grassroots, state and national levels. The partnership with Invictus Australia represents another important step in expanding access to the sport and strengthening support networks for veterans and their families.