The tournament, organised by World Wheelchair Rugby, was held in France alongside the ongoing Rugby World Cup.

Reigning world champions Australia had lost to the Canadians 49-48 in the opening group game but proved too strong in the final.

Japan edged out hosts France 50-49 for the bronze medals.

In the semi-finals, Australia knocked out Japan 52-48 and the French suffered another tight defeat, 51-50 to Canada.

Eight teams took part in all with reigning Paralympic champions Britain ending fifth.

The United States finished sixth with Denmark seventh and New Zealand eighth.

France, Britain, Denmark and Japan have already qualified for next year's Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Australia, who have won two Paralympic titles, will need to book their place through a qualification tournament in New Zealand in March but have laid down an early marker for 2024 with their victory in the same city.

"We have learned a lot about our opposition countries, what other teams are doing," said their captain Chris Bond.

"We have learned a lot about our own game, we have got some new players. 

"It's been a great competition to play the best in the world and test ourselves but knowing that it all means nothing when the Paralympic Games come around."

World Rugby chief executive Alan Gilpin welcomed the staging of the wheelchair event as part of the World Cup festivities.

"We are really proud to have the International Wheelchair Rugby Cup as part of the Rugby World Cup," he said.

"It is really important to present rugby as an inclusive sport."