Wheelchair Rugby League Australia unveils updated Strategic Plan

Wheelchair Rugby League Australia (WRLA) has released an updated Strategic Plan for 2024–2027, outlining the next phase of growth for the sport and reinforcing its commitment to participation, partnerships and sustainability across the country.

The refreshed plan builds on the strong foundations of the original strategy, maintaining a clear vision ‘to be the preeminent wheelchair sport in Australia, providing opportunities for all’ and a mission to lead, promote and develop Wheelchair Rugby League in Australia.

Since the initial plan was launched, the sport has continued to build momentum through the delivery of national competitions and international fixtures, the expansion of participation programs into regional and emerging areas, and a stronger focus on the structures, partnerships and governance needed to support long-term growth.

The updated strategy reflects this progress while sharpening the focus on increasing participation, strengthening pathways, building strategic partnerships, progressing governance reform and securing the long-term sustainability of the sport.

The plan continues to be guided by three core pillars – Participation & Pathways, Partnerships & Profile, and Sustainability & Governance – with a renewed emphasis on increasing participation nationally, delivering regular competitions and events, creating a stronger national footprint for the game, and supporting the continued growth of Wheelchair Rugby League across Australia.

A key focus of the updated strategy will also be the continued development of national events and competitions, including future National Championships, Interstate Challenges and international match opportunities aimed at strengthening participation and development pathways across the country.

Chair of Wheelchair Rugby League Australia, Darren Gocher, said the updated strategy reflects both the progress already made and the significant opportunities ahead for the sport nationally.

“Wheelchair Rugby League has built incredible momentum over recent years, and this updated Strategic Plan ensures we are well placed to take the next step,” Gocher said.

“This is about setting a clear and sustainable direction for the sport – growing participation, strengthening our national footprint and ensuring we have the structures, partnerships and governance in place to support long-term success.

“With the Rugby League World Cup later this year, continued growth in participation across Australia, and plans to further develop national competitions and events, there is enormous opportunity ahead for Wheelchair Rugby League.”

The strategy also outlines plans to strengthen relationships with government, disability sport, defence and commercial sectors, while progressing structural reform and standalone recognition as a National Sporting Organisation for People with Disability (NSOD) with the Australian Sports Commission.

Supporting these priorities is a detailed actions and goals framework for 2024–2027, including the establishment of event and governance committees, revised governance and risk management frameworks, and expanded partnership opportunities across government, defence, disability sport and commercial sectors.

The updated Strategic Plan is available at: NRL Wheelchair Rugby League Australia