Trans-Tasman wheelchair Tests to kick-start NZ World Cup bid

Author: Brad Walter NRL Senior Reporter
Timestamp: Tue 1 Oct 2024, 09:01 AM

New Zealand will take their first step towards a berth in the 2026 Wheelchair World Cup in Australia when they host the Wheelaroos in a two-Test series.

The Tests, which will coincide with the Pacific Championships clash between the Kiwis and Tonga and a play-off for a women's World Cup berth in Auckland, will be the first time Australia and New Zealand have met in wheelchair rugby league.

The Wheelaroos are ranked No.3 in the IRL World Rankings behind England and France but have not played since the last World Cup in 2022 after a proposed matches against the USA and a tour by France fell over.

Match Highlights: England v Australia

The emergence of the Wheel Kiwis as a Test rival will not only provide the Wheelaroos with more regular matches but ensures a second Pacific nation at RLWC2026.

Hosted by Australia, the 2026 Wheelchair World Cup will again run parallel with the Men's and Women's tournaments before they are staged separately in 2028 (women), 2029 (wheelchair) and 2030 (men).

Wheelchair Rugby League Australia chairman Martin Merideth said the milestone event was a significant opportunity to showcase wheelchair rugby league to new audiences.

"This inaugural test series between Australia and New Zealand is a monumental step forward for wheelchair rugby league in the Pacific," Meredith said.

"It’s not just about the competition – it’s about strengthening ties across nations and fostering the growth of Wheelchair Rugby League in the Southern Hemisphere."

NZRL CEO Greg Peters said the historic Test series highlighted the emerging influence of wheelchair rugby league in the Pacific region, as well as its unique ability to unite athletes of all abilities in a shared passion for the game.

"These matches are hugely exciting for NZRL as the New Zealand Wheel Kiwis Rugby League take to the field for the first time," Peters said.

"To be playing against our traditional rivals and great mates in these matches makes it all the more special.

"We are building to RLWC 2026 when our team will take part for the first time. We would like to thank Martin and Wheelchair Rugby League for making this happen”.

The Tests will take place in Auckland on November 1 and 4, coinciding with the 2024 Pacific Championships double-header at Go Media Stadium on November 3.