The 2026 Wheelchair Rugby World Championships are set to be a pivotal moment for the Australian Steelers, who are defending their championship title in the Brazilian city of São Paulo. Among the team's ranks is Ella Sabljak, a new mother who is making a remarkable return to international competition just 11 months after giving birth to her first child, Billie. This journey back to the sport is a testament to Sabljak's determination and the support of her teammates.
Sabljak's return to the Steelers' camp has been a transformative experience. She has embraced a new mindset, prioritizing her daughter Billie and focusing on hard work and dedication. This shift in perspective is evident in her words: 'I'm not into all the mess around like I used to be. If something's going to take up my time away from Billie, it's going to be worth it.'
The Steelers' mixed-gender roster, which includes four women, is a significant development in the sport. Wheelchair rugby, previously known as 'murderball', is a full-contact, fast-paced game with a circular ball that can be thrown in any direction. The sport has traditionally had low female representation at the elite level, but recent changes in classification rules and a focus on expanding female pathways are gradually changing this.
One of the key figures in this transformation is Shae Graham, who became the first woman to represent the Steelers at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020. Graham's breakthrough inspired Sabljak to join the team, and she is now joined by Emilie Miller and Lilliana Prucha, who are making their World Championships debut. This diverse and talented group of women is a testament to the sport's evolving landscape.
However, the mixed-gender model is not without its challenges. A 2025 study revealed that only 2.2% of wheelchair rugby players internationally are female, raising questions about the long-term viability of this approach. Despite this, the Steelers have made significant strides in increasing female representation, with Sabljak and her teammates leading the way.
The Steelers' journey to the 2026 World Championships is not without obstacles. They are defending their title, but their performance at the 2024 Paralympics, where they claimed bronze, was their second-lowest finish since 2012. This setback has fueled their determination to prove themselves once again. Chris Bond, the team's captain, believes this Steelers side is the strongest he has ever been a part of, with a deep and talented roster.
As the Steelers prepare for the tournament, they face a highly competitive field, with six or seven nations considered serious contenders for the top spot. Bond's enthusiasm for the team's prospects is infectious, and he is confident that the Steelers will rise to the challenge. The presence of Billie, the baby daughter of Sabljak, adds a unique dynamic to the team, bringing out the human side of the athletes and fostering a stronger connection among the players.
In conclusion, the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby World Championships promise to be a thrilling and transformative event for the Australian Steelers. With a mix of experience and fresh talent, the team is poised to make a strong showing, proving that motherhood and elite-level sport can coexist. As the tournament unfolds, the Steelers will showcase the power of diversity, determination, and the indomitable spirit of wheelchair rugby.
