Australia have emerged as the champions of the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup 2023, securing a thrilling victory over Canada. The final, held at the Accor Arena in Paris on Sunday, saw Australia defeat Canada with a score of 53-48.
The Australian team, who had suffered a narrow loss to Canada in the opening game of the tournament, showcased their dominance throughout the final match. Ryley Batt, widely regarded as the world’s best wheelchair rugby player, displayed his exceptional skills from the very beginning. Batt made a remarkable play by turning over the first ball of the game, leading his team to score the opening try.
As the game progressed, Batt continued to play a pivotal role in Australia’s success. The team managed to establish a two-try lead in the first quarter, but Canada swiftly narrowed the gap, resulting in a score of 13-12 at the end of the quarter.
The second quarter witnessed a back-and-forth battle between the two teams. Australia once again extended their lead to two tries, but Canada fought back, ending the first half with a score of 26-25.
However, the third quarter proved to be the turning point of the match. Batt, in collaboration with team captain Chris Bond, consistently widened Australia’s lead, resulting in a score of 40-36. From that point onwards, Australia never looked back.
Following the victory, Bond expressed his team’s growth and determination. He stated, ‘Throughout this competition, we have gained valuable insights into our opponents and their strategies. We have also discovered new talents within our own team. It has been an incredible experience to compete against the best teams in the world, but we are fully aware that our ultimate test awaits us at the 2024 Paralympic Games, which will also be held in Paris.’
In the bronze final held earlier on Sunday, Japan emerged victorious over the host nation, France, with a close score of 50-49.
This edition of the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup was organized in collaboration with World Rugby, Rugby World Cup, host organizers France 2023, and the Fédération Francaise Handisport. The tournament aimed to promote wheelchair rugby as an inclusive sport and highlight its significance within the broader rugby community.
Wheelchair rugby, originally developed in Canada in 1977, has evolved into a team sport for male and female athletes with mobility-related disabilities in at least three limbs. The game consists of four eight-minute quarters.
Alan Gilpin, Chief Executive of World Rugby, expressed his pride in including the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup as part of the Rugby World Cup. He emphasized the importance of presenting rugby as an inclusive sport that welcomes athletes from diverse backgrounds.