The UKAF WhRL team will tour to Brisbane, Australia, 15 – 27 April 2026, taking part in the inaugural ANZAC Day 2026 (ANZAC26) WhRL Festival. We will play both the Australian and the New Zealand Military WhRL Teams on Sun 26 April 2026, prior to an International ANZAC Test Match between the Australian National Wheelaroos and the New Zealand Wheel Kiwis.
Prior to the Final ANZAC Day WhRL Festival, UKAF WhRL will train and play lead-in fixtures against the South-East Queensland Redbellies and Stingrays WhRL teams, engaging with local juniors while balancing participation and performance. We will also participate in a Wheelchair Inclusion Week delivered to the entire student body of a local school as part of an Education & Inclusion Legacy Programme, in support to our hosts Queensland Wheelchair Rugby League and the National Rugby League’s (NRL) Strategic Community Partnerships.
A highlight of the Tour will be attending the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and parade at the local Returned & Services League (RSL) of Australia, in Brisbane on Sat 25 April 2026.
The core UKAF WhRL ANZAC26 touring party will consist of 8 x UKAF veteran players and 5 x non-playing support staff. The tour will be organised and led by Lt Col (Retd) Rich Naivalurua MBE, Chairman UKAF WhRL, with the team led by Steve Sampher as Team Captain & Team Manager and James Simpson-Hill MBE as Vice-Captain & Head Coach.
Participation in the inclusive sport of WhRL provides huge positive value for everyone involved with the UKAF WhRL team, as part of their ongoing recovery journey and their attempts to maintain Wellness. ANZAC26 will provide a unique, outstanding life-enhancing opportunity for the UKAF WhRL team to participate at the highest level against our ANZAC counterparts, aligned with their National Day of Remembrance, and to engage in an Education and Inclusion Legacy Programme, where the examples of our players will no doubt inspire.
The UKAF WhRL ANZAC26 Tour will be funded by personal contributions, the generous support of the Soldiers League Charity in line with its purposes, and by Tour Sponsors.
