Queensland takes centre court securing World Wheelchair Rugby Cup

• The Crisafulli Government has secured the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup for Brisbane in 2027, bringing eight of the world's best wheelchair rugby nations to Queensland. 
• The tournament adds to Queensland’s growing calendar of major international events ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
• After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government's Destination 2045 tourism plan is cementing Queensland as Australia's events capital. 

Queensland has secured another major international sporting event, with the Crisafulli Government bringing the World Wheelchair Rugby Cup to Brisbane in 2027 as it continues to chase the world’s biggest events ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

Eight of the world’s leading wheelchair rugby nations will go head-to-head at Nissan Arena from 25 to 29 October 2027, with five days of fast-paced, hard-hitting international competition. 

The tournament adds to Queensland’s growing calendar of major events secured by the Crisafulli Government, as part of Destination 2045, including the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027, NRL Magic Round and the historic ANZAC Day Bledisloe Cup. 

The World Wheelchair Rugby Cup is expected to attract thousands of athletes, officials, supporters and visitors, delivering a boost for local businesses and Queensland’s visitor economy. 

Secured through the Crisafulli Government’s Mega and Strategic Events Fund, the tournament is part of the Government’s record investment in tourism and events under Destination 2045, with the ambition to grow Queensland’s events economy to $4 billion by 2045. 

Minister for Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was determined to secure more major international events and ensure Queenslanders benefited from the opportunities they created.  

“The Crisafulli Government has made tourism a priority, backed it with record investment and we’re going after the world’s biggest events to deliver for Queenslanders,” Minister Powell said. 

“That means more customers for local businesses, more shifts for Queensland workers and more reasons for visitors to stay longer and explore our great State.” 

Minister for Sport and Racing and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tim Mander said securing the tournament is an example of Queensland’s ambition for para sport. 

"We want Queensland to be a world leader in para sport, and its tournaments like this that highlight the importance of inclusivity and accessibility for every athlete," Minister Mander said. 

"Queensland is the home of Australian sport, and after 1200 days of Labor Games chaos, the Crisafulli Government is delivering events that create opportunities for athletes, building momentum towards the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games." 

Wheelchair Rugby Australia CEO Chris Nay said hosting the tournament in Brisbane would be a landmark moment for the sport. 

“This World Cup puts Australia at the centre of the international wheelchair rugby calendar and gives fans the chance to see the sport at its absolute best on home soil,” Mr Nay said. 

“Our ambition is to fill Nissan Arena and create the largest crowd ever recorded for a dedicated wheelchair rugby event outside the Paralympic Games.” 

Australian Steelers athlete Ryley Batt said having a Wheelchair Rugby World Cup in Brisbane would be a special moment for athletes, fans and the broader community.