Melbourne local Shae Graham, a powerhouse on and off the court, is making history as the first female to captain an Australian wheelchair rugby team. This November, she’ll lead the national Development Squad at Tokyo’s Shibuya Cup, a prestigious four-match series against Japan’s up-and-coming players. For Shae, this achievement is the latest in a journey that has seen her rise from a rookie in the sport to one of Australia’s most respected wheelchair rugby athletes and now, a leader of the next generation.
Shae’s path to wheelchair rugby started in an unexpected place—on the other side of the screen. After a car accident at 18 left her with a spinal cord injury, she watched Murderball, the iconic wheelchair rugby documentary, and, at first, thought the sport looked chaotic. But in 2013, she was encouraged to try it by her brother. The moment she took her first roll in a rugby chair, she was captivated by the sport’s intensity, speed, and strategy.
Living in Melbourne has been integral to her growth as an athlete. After relocating from Mackay, Queensland, Shae moved to Melbourne in 2012 to access NeuroMoves, a specialised exercise program for individuals with neurological conditions. Melbourne’s thriving sports culture and elite facilities allowed her to hone her skills and chase her dreams with the Australian Steelers, where she became the first female player to represent Australia in wheelchair rugby in 2019. Now based at The Hangar in Tullamarine, she trains rigorously with Paralympics Australia’s Victorian squad, preparing for both national and international challenges.
Australian Development Coach Jason Lees, who will lead the team to Tokyo, commends Shae’s leadership qualities and looks forward to seeing her make an impact as captain. “Shae is a natural leader whose personality is well-suited to captaincy. Everyone loves Shae, and with her high level of international experience, she will be able to share a lot with the newer members of the squad.”
Beyond her role in wheelchair rugby, Shae leads a busy life in Melbourne’s arts and education sector. She works part-time as a library officer at the Melbourne Museum, handling everything from cataloguing rare collections to assisting with community programs. With multiple degrees, including a master’s in information management, she’s passionate about knowledge and education. Balancing her work, training, and personal life in Melbourne—a city that fosters both her love for sport and her career in libraries—has been instrumental to her journey.
As Shae prepares to lead Australia’s Development Squad at the Shibuya Cup, she knows it will be a challenge. Japan’s team, led by Katsuya Hashimoto, recently won gold at the Paris Paralympics, and the upcoming series promises to test Australia’s young players. But Shae is optimistic. “This squad has a lot of talent and heart. We’re ready to give our all and gain valuable experience against such high-calibre opponents.”
Fans in Melbourne and across Australia can tune in to watch Shae and the Development Squad compete, with matches streamed live from Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Stadium. Shae Graham’s rise from Melbourne athlete to captain of an Australian team is a story of resilience, ambition, and leadership—a true inspiration for the city she calls home.
