Changes to Wheelchair Rugby League eligibility tiers

The International Rugby League Board has agreed to reclassify Australia and New Zealand from Tier 1 to Tier 2 nations ahead of IRL Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup 2026.

The move recognises that the wheelchair game in Australia and New Zealand is at different stages of development compared to England and France, and is aimed at improving the strength of other nations.

England and France have won every Wheelchair World Cup - 2008 (England), 2013 (France), 2017 (France), 2021 (England). Only the 2008 final was contested by Australia; the rest have all featured England and France.

The two nations have also dominated the IRL World Rankings in either first or second place since inception, with all other nations moving up and down.

The change also recognises the geographical isolation of Australia and New Zealand, compared to other wheelchair nations, who are based in Europe – with the exception of the United States.

Previously, players who had played for Australia, England, France or New Zealand were unable to play for any of the other Tier 1 nations. However, they could play for a Tier 2 or Tier 3 nation provided they were eligible.

The changes make it easier for players to represent a nation for which they qualify through birth or if a parent or grandparent was born in that country. Players continue to be prohibited from representing more than one country in a calendar year and may only make one change between Tier 2/Tier 3 nations in a four-year period.

Example: A player has played for England but has relocated to Australia and would like to represent their new country of residence after being resident for five years. Previously they could not play for Australia after having already played for England.