Fresh outlook fuels mother's comeback to global wheelchair rugby stage

Ella Sabljak is back on the international circuit

Ella Sabljak is back on the international circuit barely twelve months after welcoming her first child, joining the Australian Steelers as they chase the Wheelchair Rugby World Championship title in Brazil.

The 30-year-old, a veteran of the sport often dubbed 'murderball' for its aggressive collisions, says motherhood has radically reshaped her approach to the game. Where she once measured her worth purely by tackles and tries, she now sees her role as part of a larger story about resilience and possibility.

Sabljak gave birth to son Levi in late 2023, and her return to training involved juggling feeding schedules, sleepless nights, and rehab. Yet she describes the transition as surprisingly natural, crediting her support network and a new clarity that came with the chaos.

On the court, the Steelers have been building

On the court, the Steelers have been building momentum, and Sabljak brings both experience and a quieter intensity to the lineup. Coaches have praised her leadership, noting that her perspective now extends beyond individual performance to lifting the entire squad.

For Sabljak, competing in Brazil is about more than medals. She hopes her journey sends a message to other athletes—especially mothers—that stepping away doesn't mean stepping back. 'You come back with a different heart,' she said, 'and that can be your greatest weapon.'

With pool play underway, the Steelers remain focused on their ultimate goal. But regardless of the final result, Sabljak has already claimed a victory that no scoreboard could capture.