Aotearoa's Disability Rugby League Teams Shine on Global Stage
Aotearoa’s wheelchair and physical disability rugby league teams are making waves at the World Cup in Australia, showcasing their talents and advocating for support.
Rugby league is gaining momentum worldwide, and Aotearoa's two disability teams are proudly participating in the World Cup in Australia. The Wheel Kiwis, the nation's inaugural wheelchair rugby league squad, made their first appearance this week, while the Physical Disability Rugby League (PDRL) Kiwis kicked off their second World Cup campaign with a remarkable 26-0 victory over the defending champions, England.
Beyond the impressive scores, players are advocating for heightened awareness and support for disability sports back in Aotearoa.
Achieving Goals on the International Stage
PDRL Kiwis co-captain Mal Davis from Hokianga highlighted the team's dual objectives in this tournament: securing the World Cup trophy and increasing visibility for the PDRL. “We aim to win the championship, but we also want to enhance the profile of PDRL back home,” he stated.
Having previously finished as runners-up to England in 2022, this campaign holds special significance for Davis, who expressed a strong desire to correct that loss. “That defeat lingers with me, and I’m ready to turn the tables this time,” he added.
Davis, who was born with a club foot, initially participated in able-bodied sports, including rugby union. However, he found himself looking for opportunities that fit his abilities, which led him to PDRL in 2022. “Once I found a place in PDRL, there was no looking back,” he said. Now, he feels honored to represent Aotearoa in international competition, especially with his young children witnessing him wear the black jersey for the first time.
Calling for Support and Recognition
According to the 2023 Census, over 850,000 individuals in Aotearoa live with physical disabilities. However, access to sports tailored for their needs is still limited. Head coach Raymond Greaves emphasized that PDRL offers a vital platform for these athletes to exhibit their capabilities. “Many of our players have grown up hearing they can’t participate in sports like rugby league,” he noted. “Now, they can step onto international fields and reclaim their right to play.”
Players in PDRL are categorized by their physical impairments into categories A, B, or C. Despite this structure, Greaves pointed out that the sport requires greater recognition and support from the broader community. “We often get sidelined; it's crucial for everyone to understand our presence and needs,” he said.
Greaves acknowledged the efforts of their dedicated chairperson, Sandra Hickey, who passionately advocates for the PDRL community. “We need to be seen and heard, and we hope for more understanding and investment,” he expressed.
Embracing Cultural Identity
The team's identity is deeply intertwined with their Māori heritage, with nearly half of the players identifying as Māori. Greaves shared, “We practice our haka, waiata, and mihi, as it's integral to who we are. We want to represent Te ao Māori on a global stage.”
This year's tournament carries special weight as the team remembers their late teammate Jeremy Hendrix, who showcased his skills at the previous World Cup and sadly passed away this year.
Meanwhile, the Wheel Kiwis faced tough competition in their debut matches against Australia and France. Despite the results, Vice Captain Kauri Murray remained optimistic, stating, “Though we didn’t achieve the desired outcomes, we’re committed to regrouping and training hard for our next challenge.”
The PDRL Kiwis are set to clash with Australia’s Ability Roos this upcoming Thursday, with hopes of further showcasing their talent and making strides for disability sports in Aotearoa.