2024 was an exciting year for wheelchair rugby in Victoria. We continued to break new ground with
our Junior Wheelchair Rugby Development Program and celebrated the impressive achievements
of Victorian athletes at the Santos National Championship and the Wheelchair Rugby National
League Competition. We also wrapped up another season of the Protect Victorian Wheelchair
Rugby Cup.
Junior Wheelchair Rugby Development Program
Our Junior Wheelchair Rugby Development Program had a dynamic year, with 15 dedicated young
athletes aged 6-14 participating in two training blocks — an eight-week and a six-week programs
held on Saturday mornings. Open to all abilities, the program focused on skill development,
confidence building and learning the sport of wheelchair rugby under the guidance of dedicated
coaches.
This program continues to grow thanks to the generous support of Protect, which has provided new
sports wheelchairs to ensure every participant can fully engage in the game. Additionally, the
Victorian Government’s Together More Active (TMA) funding initiative has been instrumental in
helping us deliver and sustain this program.
2024 Protect Victorian Wheelchair Rugby Cup - Local Competition
The 2024 Protect Victorian Wheelchair Rugby Competition took place at a new venue, The Hangar in
Essendon. With 2024 being a Paralympic year, many of our local players traveled internationally for
qualifiers or joined the national Paralympic team on their journey to Paris. Consequently, the season
was decided by a points ladder. Harlequins, Box Hill, and Power House battled it out over 12 weeks,
with Power House ultimately claiming the top spot.
In recognition of their consistent and outstanding performances throughout the 2024 Protect
Victorian Wheelchair Rugby Cup season, we congratulate the following award recipients on their All-
Star 4 awards (each finishing equal first Most Valuable Player (MVP) voting):
Ben Owens
Dylan Streller
Jacob Walsh
Shane Brand
At the Rugby Victoria Awards on Thursday, 31st October 2024, Ben Owens was named Most
Valuable Player (MVP), and Jacob Walsh received the Best New Talent award for the 2024 Protect
Victorian Wheelchair Rugby season.
2024 Wheelchair Rugby National League
At the senior level, Box Hill Rugby Club and the Melbourne Unicorns proudly represented Victoria in
the 2024 National League series. The season kicked off with the Melbourne Invitational at Caroline
Springs Leisure Centre in March, where over 60 players from across Australia competed in the three-
day competition.
Featuring several Australian Steelers, the National League gave our senior players the chance to face
the country’s best. After strong showings in the Melbourne Invitational, the teams continued their
campaign at the Brisbane Bash and Sydney Slam, finishing the series in 4th and 5th place overall.
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2024 Santos Wheelchair Rugby National Championship
The best senior players were then selected to represent Victoria Protect Thunder at the 2024 Santos
Wheelchair Rugby National Championship in South Australia.
Demonstrating exceptional skill and determination throughout the weekend, the team, coached by
Andrew Harrison (Head Coach) and Jacob Walsh (Assistant Coach), and managed by Willeke Walsh
(Team Manager), delivered a commendable performance on the court.
After a full weekend of play, it all came down to the bronze medal match. Victoria Protect Thunder
stayed neck-and-neck with the New Zealand Wheelblacks, led by Jayden Warn and Shae Graham.
However, in a heart-stopping contest, Victoria Protect Thunder narrowly fell short, with the final
score ending in favour of the NZ Wheelblacks, 45-44.
Australian Steelers take out bronze at 2024 Paralympic Games
The Australian Steelers secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, bouncing
back after a challenging semi-final loss. In their final match, the Steelers showcased their resilience
and skill, delivering a strong performance to claim third place on the podium. This achievement
highlights their continued excellence on the international stage, adding to their storied history in
wheelchair rugby.
The team's journey to the Paralympics was marked by determination, including victories during the
qualification rounds. Victorian athletes Ben Fawcett, James McQuillan and Shae Graham were
instrumental throughout the competition. The bronze medal reinforces Australia's status as a top
contender in wheelchair rugby and sets a promising outlook for future tournaments.
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The full tournament recaps can be found here:
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