Australia will become the first team to hold four major championship titles at once, if they win on home soil in Sydney ©Getty Images

Hosts Australia will become the first team in wheelchair rugby history to hold two Paralympic gold medals and two world title at the same time if they win the International Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) World Championships which are due to start in Sydney tomorrow. 

The Steelers were crowned Paralympic Games champions at London 2012 and Rio 2016 and won the last World Championships in Odense in Denmark four years ago. 

They will enter this year’s tournament on home soil at the Sydney Olympic Park Complex as firm favourites to win once again.

The Australians are in Group A alongside Japan, Sweden, New Zealand, Denmark and Ireland.

Japan and Great Britain will each be looking to reach their first World Championships gold medal match in Sydney.

Australia won Paralympic gold medals at London 2012 and 2016 and the 2014 World Championships in Odense ©Getty Images
Australia won Paralympic gold medals at London 2012 and 2016 and the 2014 World Championships in Odense ©Getty Images

The Japanese are expected to make the semi-finals at least, where it is likely they will face the United States, the world champions in 1995, 1998, 2006 and 2010. 

The two teams were separated by just one point at Rio 2016.

Great Britain, drawn in Group B alongside the US, Canada, France, Colombia and Poland, have finished fourth twice before but never made the final.

If they can finish ahead of Canada, winners of the World Championships in 2002 and the runners-up to Australia in 2014, then Britain will fancy their chancews. 

It will not be easy, however, as this tournament is widely expected to be the most hotly contested yet with a thrilling conclusion expected on August 10.