Wheelchair Rugby will once again be part of Rugby’s biggest global celebration will showcase the game in all its forms in 2027, with the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup set to take centre stage in Brisbane alongside Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027.
World Wheelchair Rugby President, Richard Allcroft OBE, said:
“World Wheelchair Rugby is delighted to host the 2027 World Wheelchair Rugby Cup in Brisbane.
Australia has a proud history in international wheelchair rugby, and Brisbane provides an outstanding setting to bring the world’s leading teams together for a major global competition.
The success of a world class event alongside the Rugby World Cup has demonstrated the potential of bringing wheelchair rugby to new audiences alongside major international sporting events. Brisbane presents an exciting opportunity to build on that legacy and showcase the scale, quality and energy of wheelchair rugby to an even wider audience.
We look forward to working with Wheelchair Rugby Australia and our partners to deliver a World Cup that puts the athletes and the sport at the centre of a truly global sporting event.”
Taking place from 25-29 October 2027 between the Round of 16 and quarterfinals of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup will bring the world’s best wheelchair rugby athletes to Brisbane at a time when thousands of international fans are already in the city for rugby’s premier event. Event organiser Wheelchair Rugby Australia is aiming to attract the largest crowd ever recorded for a standalone wheelchair rugby event outside of the Paralympic Games over the five-day tournament.
The alignment previously tested at Rugby World Cup 2023 in France will provide supporters with the opportunity to experience two world-class forms of rugby in Brisbane, shining a global spotlight on wheelchair rugby while reinforcing the sport’s commitment to inclusion, accessibility and opportunity for all.
With Brisbane preparing to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032, where Rugby Sevens and Wheelchair Rugby are expected to be among the most exciting and engaging events on the programme, the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup represents another significant milestone in the city’s journey towards becoming one of the world’s leading destinations for inclusive sport.
Initiatives include accessible seating and viewing areas at all eight venues, sensory rooms, multi-faith spaces, accessible digital experiences, inclusive wayfinding, workforce training and targeted employment opportunities for people with disability. Through these measures, Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 aims to create a lasting legacy for accessibility that extends well beyond the tournament itself.
World Rugby Chair, Brett Robinson said: “The alignment of the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup with Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is a powerful expression of what rugby stands for as a sport for all, and a reflection of our vision to make Australia 2027 the most accessible edition ever organised.
By bringing these two world-class events together in Brisbane, we have an incredible opportunity to introduce new audiences to wheelchair rugby, celebrate extraordinary athletes and give travelling and local fans the chance to experience another exciting form of our game during Rugby World Cup 2027.
Importantly, this is a key part to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong, regardless of their background or ability, and a powerful way to shine a global spotlight on both our sports in tandem with World Wheelchair Rugby, proving that rugby is a game for everyone.”
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said
“The world’s best are coming to Brisbane, and Queenslanders will have a front-row seat to five days of fierce, full-contact competition.
This World Cup will put Queensland in the international spotlight and show the world the skill, courage and sheer intensity of wheelchair rugby. We want Nissan Arena packed, the atmosphere electric and this event remembered as another defining moment on Queensland’s runway to 2032.”
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the event would add another major international sporting event to Queensland’s growing events calendar.
“Securing the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup is a major win for Queensland and another clear signal that our state is ready to host the world,” Minister Powell said.
“This event will bring elite athletes, passionate supporters and international attention to Brisbane, while supporting our visitor economy and strengthening Queensland’s reputation as a destination for world-class events.”
Queensland Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said staging the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup during Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 would unite two major global sporting events and showcase Brisbane’s world-class infrastructure and event expertise.
“Wheelchair rugby is one of the most exciting sports in the Paralympic movement, and bringing it together with Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 will give fans a unique opportunity to experience two forms of rugby on the world stage,” Minister Mander said.
“Playing these events alongside each other will connect international audiences, introduce more people to the speed and skill of wheelchair rugby, and build the capability and community excitement that will carry us towards Brisbane 2032.”
Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay said hosting the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup in Brisbane would be a landmark moment for the sport in Australia.
“This tournament is also about creating a lasting impact beyond five days of competition. Bringing the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup to Brisbane puts Australia at the centre of the international calendar and gives fans the chance to experience one of the game’s biggest events at its absolute best on home soil,” Mr Nay said.
“To be aligned with Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 is an opportunity to introduce new fans to our high-octane, entertaining, collision sport in front of record crowds on home soil and via international broadcast.
“It would be remiss of me not to mention the significant support we have received from multiple partners to bring this milestone event to life. First, we are extremely grateful to be working in partnership with the Queensland Government on this milestone event. Their vision and commitment to our sport has been exemplary across our dealings thus far.
“Similarly, the support of World Rugby, Rugby Australia, Paralympics Australia, the Australian Sports Commission and the Queensland Academy of Sport has played in influential role in securing this event. We are grateful to be working with such strong, values aligned organisations and look forward to delivering a record result for them in 2027.”
petition – strengthening the sport’s profile, creating opportunities for athletes and the wider wheelchair rugby community, and contributing to Queensland’s growing reputation as a destination for major international events.”
Australian Steelers captain Chris Bond, who is proud to call Queensland home, said competing for a World Cup on home soil would be a defining opportunity for the team and the sport.
“More than half of our current high-performance athletes are based in Queensland, so playing a World Cup at Nissan Arena in front of friends and family would mean everything. We want Queenslanders and fans across Australia beside us, making noise and helping create the biggest dedicated wheelchair rugby crowd the sport has seen outside the Paralympic Games.”
Together, these events will strengthen Queensland’s international profile and help build a legacy of world-class sport in the years surrounding Brisbane 2032.
The event is being delivered with the support of World Wheelchair Rugby and World Rugby and Wheelchair Rugby Australia creating a rare opportunity to connect two major international sporting audiences in Brisbane during a significant period on the global rugby calendar.
Tickets for Brisbane’s World Wheelchair Rugby Cup will go on sale in early 2027. Fans can register their interest in tickets and to be the first to know key tournament details on Wheelchair Rugby Australia’s website at www.wheelchairrugby.com.au/world-cup.
With Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 now less than a year away and 10 matches hosted in Brisbane, excitement is building as Australia prepares to welcome 24 nations across seven Host Cities for rugby’s biggest event.
Fans can secure their place in the stands now at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com and be part of the unmissable moments, fierce rivalries and unforgettable atmosphere that will define the tournament.
Premium hospitality and travel packages, including access to the Final and other highly anticipated fixtures, are also available through Rugby World Cup Experiences.