Fredericton’s Austin MacLellan is breaking records this week by becoming the first athlete from New Brunswick to represent Canada at the global wheelchair rugby championships. MacLellan’s path to the world stage began with an unexpected invitation to try out a new sport.
In 2021, while engaged in wheelchair basketball, MacLellan was asked to join the local wheelchair rugby team due to a shortage of players. Embracing the opportunity, he quickly rose through the ranks in the physically demanding sport, known for its aggressive nature likened to high-speed bumper cars and referred to as “murderball.”
The world championships are currently underway in São Paulo, Brazil, where MacLellan is making his debut with Team Canada. Sally Chamberlain, the executive director of Parasport New Brunswick, emphasized the significance of MacLellan’s selection for the Canadian team, marking a monumental achievement for the province.
Having earned a spot on Canada’s senior national team in 2025, MacLellan made his international debut the same year. His outstanding performance was recognized when he was named the Division 1 Garett Hickling Most Valuable Player at the Canadian wheelchair rugby national championships.
Expressing his pride in representing Team Canada at the world championships, MacLellan emphasized the honor he feels each time he dons the national jersey. He attributes much of his success to the supportive wheelchair rugby community in New Brunswick, highlighting the mentorship he received from individuals like Hal Merrill, a key figure in the province’s wheelchair rugby scene.
Looking ahead to the competition, MacLellan aims to learn from experienced players worldwide and further enhance his skills on the global stage. As Canada, ranked sixth internationally, faces tough competition, MacLellan sees his participation as an opportunity to inspire young athletes to pursue their passions in parasports.
Encouraging others to take the leap into adaptive sports, MacLellan hopes his journey serves as motivation for aspiring athletes to push their boundaries and embrace the challenges of competitive sports.
