New mum returns to international 'murderball' with blunt new perspective

Ella Sabljak, a mother of one, has returned to international Wheelchair Rugby competition less than a year after giving birth to her baby, Billie. This is Sabljak's second time participating in the 2026 Wheelchair Rugby World Championships, following her debut in Denmark four years ago. She is one of four women on the Australian Steelers mixed-gender roster for the event, which takes place in São Paulo, Brazil.

Sabljak has adapted to motherhood by planning her return to the sport in a structured, week-by-week schedule, all while breastfeeding and working her day job. Her teammates, who are also parents, find Sabljak's presence refreshing as it adds a human element to the team. Wheelchair Rugby is a full-contact sport featuring large hits and high-intensity action, with a unique mixed-gender format that has seen gradual growth in female representation.

The Steelers, known for their prowess in the sport, are the defending champions and enter the 2026 tournament with a goal to improve upon their bronze medal finish at the 2024 Paralympics.