The return of the Protect Victorian Wheelchair Rugby Cup will have an added layer of excitement following Australia's recent crowning as the Wheelchair Rugby World Champions.
With three Victorians a part of the Australian Steelers squad that picked up gold in Denmark this month, the standard of the local game is set to benefit immensely as competition returns this weekend.
With just two rounds remaining before finals, the world championship win will throw further spotlight on 'the toughest sport in the world,' as four Victorian clubs fight for a spot in the Big Dance.
We caught up with one of Victoria's World Cup Champions, Shae Graham, to discuss the world championship and how her Box Hill Broncos are shaping up as the season heats up.
Shae Graham (Shae): We are! There has been so much excitement and happiness since the win!
Our wheelchair rugby community, families and friends have been super supportive and we have felt all that love and support - it definitely helped get us through the tough competition.
We went into the competition as the underdogs and wanted to prove to everyone that we were still at the top of our game to come out of the competition as world champions feels amazing.
Shae: We are super lucky in Victoria to have a strong local competition with a high number of players.
Having that high level of competition in Victoria definitely helps with the development of players and pushes us all to improve.
Shae: The world championships and especially the win definitely raises awareness of our sport and briefly casts a spotlight on the game and what we do.
But it deserves a lot more attention - Wheelchair Rugby is a highly strategic, fast paced, full contact sport that is super interesting.
People need to see more of it because they will love it.
Shae: Yep we kick off again in November. I’m not 100% sure what everyone has been up too as I took 12 days off after World Championships to Travel.
Shae: I’m a member of the Box Hill team this season so I’m going to have to say that we are the favourites to take out the competition!
Round 5 of the Protect Victorian Wheelchair Rugby Cup returns Monday, 7 November at Aqualink Box Hill, Surrey Drive, Box Hill.
Game One: World Champion Shae Graham & the Box Hill Broncos vs Unicorns (7pm)
Game Two: Power House vs Harlequins (8pm).
All welcome.
