The New Zealand Wheel Kiwis acknowledge supporters after the match against the Australian Wheelaroos. Photo: photosport
New Zealand will contest the next Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup for the first time after being one of six nations confirmed for the 2026 tournament in Australia.
Six months after making their international debut, the Wheel Kiwis were confirmed to join Australia, England, France and Wales, who automatically qualified as the semi-finalists at the last tournament in 2022, along with the United States.
The International Rugby League said two more teams are still to be added to the draw.
The Wheel Kiwis made their international debut in a home series against Australia's Wheelaroos in October.
Dan Scott of New Zealand (L) and Zac Schumacher of Australia clash in a wheelchair rugby league test in Auckland. Photo: photosport
New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Greg Peters said he was delighted with their World Cup qualification as Asia Pacific representatives.
"We have witnessed the growth of wheelchair rugby league over recent years, and in particular during RLWC2021," Peters said in a statement.
"As a country that prides itself on inclusivity are proud to be a part of the growth of this part of the game.
"It will certainly be a challenge competing against the top countries in the world, but we love a challenge."
The last World Cup final was won by hosts England in a final against France in Manchester which reportedly attracted a BBC peak television audience of 1.3 million viewers.
RLWC2026 will be the fifth Wheelchair World Cup, with the first staged in Australia in 2008.
