About Us
Wheelchair Rugby League Australia (WRLA) is now the governing body for the sport of wheelchair rugby league in Australia.
WRLA originated from the founding of the New South Wales Wheelchair Rugby League Association, which was established in 2009, with the long-term focus to make it a national sport. At that time Wheelchair Rugby League was only a demonstration sport.
WRLA introduced seasonal competitions from 2010. This raised awareness of the sport, built skills at all levels of the game including those of players, referees, coaches and sport administrators, and provided opportunities for athletes with disabilities within the league.
Our vision is to be recognised as an inclusive sport for all communities, provide pathways for participants to represent their respective states and to contribute to making Wheelchair Rugby League a global sport.
WRLA is actively engaged in the preparation for the London Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup in 2021.
“It is inspirational to see and the skill level is incredible. You see guys flicking the ball out the back and stuff like that. You can see how competitive they are – the competitive drive is still there for these guys and they get a lot of happiness from playing.”
What is Wheelchair Rugby League
Wheelchair Rugby League is not just a sport for people with disabilities.
Wheelchair Rugby League is an inclusive sport, and is a variation of the running game that allows athletes with disabilities to compete with and against able-bodied people.
Like the other competing nations, Australia is encouraging able-bodied athletes to compete as well. This inclusiveness has proved quite successful overseas, as it offers a level playing-field for both types of athletes that few other sports can provide.
Wheelchair Rugby League aspires to provide an inclusive recreational activity, and to promote fun, fitness and self-development while fostering good sportsmanship in a safe and positive environment. The emphasis is on boosting the participation, health and wellbeing of individuals, and their personal performance, social interaction and self-esteem.
Wheelchair Rugby League aims to provide more opportunities for young people across Australia to play and be involved in the sport. The organisation looks forward to building on existing relationships connected with mainstream Rugby League in Australia (NRL).
