{"id":65076,"date":"2022-03-22T13:42:17","date_gmt":"2022-03-22T13:42:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/?p=65076"},"modified":"2022-06-20T15:27:50","modified_gmt":"2022-06-20T14:27:50","slug":"deaf-rugby-wales-shows-hard-of-hearing-community-that-anything-is-possible","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2022\/03\/22\/deaf-rugby-wales-shows-hard-of-hearing-community-that-anything-is-possible\/","title":{"rendered":"Deaf rugby: Wales shows hard-of-hearing community that anything is possible"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">As reigning world champions, WRU Deaf look ahead to their first international match post-Covid and the world cup next year<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>WHEN I made plans to attend a Wales Deaf Rugby training match, I was prepared to learn about an entirely new sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my mind, players wouldn\u2019t be tackling as hard to avoid damage to hearing aids, referees would have to wave flags instead of blowing a whistle, and the game would be quiet as players couldn\u2019t shout to communicate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But that couldn\u2019t be further from the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7331.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>WRU Deaf with Cardiff Met Arches after their training match on Sunday, March 20.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For one, WRU Deaf played against Cardiff Met Archers, a hearing team. While they do take on other deaf teams in international matches and the World Cup, I didn\u2019t expect them to compete against hearing teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As I watched the Welsh Rugby Union\u2019s deaf team give their all in the second training match post-Covid, it was easy to forget that every player had some form of hearing loss.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The referee still used a whistle, players and coaches yelled to each other on the pitch, and the tackles were just as hard, with a high skill level on display.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">So, what is deaf rugby, and why is it separate to standard rugby?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In terms of rules and play, there is little to no difference in comparison with standard rugby.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the team ranges from those with partial hearing loss to complete deafness, the main difference is the consideration given to players who can\u2019t hear the referee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"Wales Deaf Rugby Training Match, March 20\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eVqqcsQ9_9s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"Wales Deaf Rugby Training Match, March 20\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eVqqcsQ9_9s?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This can range from leeway in the rules if players don\u2019t stop when the whistle is blown to having an interpreter on the sidelines in case the referee needs to explain a call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat you sometimes get is a slight difference in interpretation from the referee, where they might give you a little bit of extra time, 20 or 30 seconds, for players to discuss calls,\u201d said RJ Coles, head coach for the men&#8217;s team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor those that are profoundly deaf and need signing, there&#8217;s an opportunity to get them in.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hearing aids are not allowed during games to avoid damage during tackles and contact, even though they are used in training. As a result, players who can\u2019t hear anything without an aid use their eyes more than ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ben Landers, 25, from Aberdeen said: \u201cYou make do with what you\u2019ve got around you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cYou\u2019ve got to rely on the people inside and outside of you, building up those networks and that trust. It\u2019s so important for us as a deaf team and team community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65088\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_1img_7246.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>WRU Deaf during training on March 20.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe idea is to be able to bring a group of players together, but not necessarily take them away from playing mainstream rugby,\u201d said coach Mr Coles.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhen we do bring them together, they are able to compete and use that as an opportunity to share that just because you might wear a hearing aid, there is actually deaf and hard of hearing rugby available.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The impact on the deaf community<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>For players, WRU Deaf allows them to compete at an international level and play for their country, something which they hope will inspire the deaf community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>John Higginson, 35, from Bedford, didn\u2019t even realise how deaf he was until he got involved with the team, when he received a hearing test with the team\u2019s sponsors, Hearing Aid Solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI found out through work that I was deaf through one of those random tests, so I reached out to one of my mates who plays here anyway.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAfter my hearing test here, they said, \u2018Well, unfortunately you\u2019re deaf. The good news is that you can play.\u2019 It was the best of both worlds.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7337.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption><strong>Players chat after a successful training match against Cardiff Met Archers.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr Higginson played club rugby before joining WRU Deaf and was surprised at how skilled the players are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cPeople think it&#8217;s a big disability when it&#8217;s really not. In fact, some of these boys who play here are much better rugby players then you will play with at a club level, because their awareness is so much better.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe lads are just so aware. I go back to my club, and I&#8217;m like, \u2018Boys, listen, you&#8217;re not as good as these boys that I&#8217;m playing with, and these guys can&#8217;t hear a thing at all&#8217;.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Steven Moran, 33, from Devon, originally played for England Deaf Rugby but wasn\u2019t happy due to travel times and the team atmosphere. After applying for WRU Deaf (he was eligible as his father is Welsh), he found his \u201cbrothers\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sport gives him a chance to inspire others in the deaf community and show the world that deaf people can do anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-1024x726.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-770x546.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-1536x1090.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-293x208.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-1400x993.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24.jpg 1748w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"726\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-1024x726.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-1024x726.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-300x213.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-770x546.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-1536x1090.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-293x208.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24-1400x993.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/24.jpg 1748w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s nice because in the past, I haven\u2019t seen many disabled or deaf in this sport, so I\u2019m hoping deaf and disabled people get involved in sport and show people what we can do.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSome people say, \u2018Deaf people can\u2019t do this\u2019 or \u2018You can\u2019t do that,\u2019 but we can do everything. We are like hearing people, apart from our hearing is broken.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Players hope WRU Deaf will encourage the next generation that they can participate in sport, regardless of their deafness, and compete at a high standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mr Higginson said: \u201cWe&#8217;ve had kids turn up training, and deaf children will stand there and realise, \u2018I can play for my country.\u2019 Hopefully, we can be role models for them.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAnd It&#8217;s not just about hearing \u2013 these boys have far superior senses than ours. It\u2019s just a massive opportunity for anyone that wants to play.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe class=\"zeen-lazy-load-base zeen-lazy-load\" title=\"Wales Deaf Rugby Training Match, March 20\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"about:blank\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nePOSeqc8eQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><noscript><iframe title=\"Wales Deaf Rugby Training Match, March 20\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nePOSeqc8eQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/noscript>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond scheduled matches and the Deaf Rugby World Cup, coaches are looking to expand the sport into new competitions, from getting rugby 7s into the Deaf Olympics to a deaf rugby Six Nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIf we can do that, then that\u2019ll give us even more exposure and just promote what\u2019s going on.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The first international match, post-pandemic<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>WRU Deaf now look ahead to a series of home matches against Ghana in April.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After returning to training last month \u2013 for the first time since the pandemic began \u2013 the games will be an opportunity for both teams to prepare for the World Deaf 7s Rugby championship in Argentina next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For many players, the Ghana duel is more than just a game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWith an international match coming soon, it\u2019s very exciting because us boys have been waiting for games for the last two years,\u201d said Rhys Perry, 19, a student at Cardiff Met from Pyle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s something now to look forward to and raise awareness for deaf rugby, and for clubs like Ghana \u2013 they\u2019ve been brought into the limelight and on the news in Africa talking about it, and in general for deaf rugby and deaf sport, that\u2019s massive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor teams like Ghana who are coming up in standard rugby and deaf rugby, it\u2019s massive for them as well.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Ghana get getting some National coverage ahead of their tour to Wales <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/bgwHBZYL57\">pic.twitter.com\/bgwHBZYL57<\/a><\/p>&mdash; WRU Deaf (@WalesDeafRugby) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/WalesDeafRugby\/status\/1504524047522148353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">March 17, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While they are friendly matches, the results will show how the WRU Deaf 7s and 15s teams are performing after two years off from training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cFor some of these lads, it will be a test to see where we are at 7s level. We\u2019re the current 7s champions, so they&#8217;ve got nothing to lose by coming over here and we&#8217;ve got everything to lose in my eyes, but I&#8217;m just competitive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019ll be good for both teams, not just us. And I think it&#8217;d be good for England as well, as they\u2019ll be watching on and seeing where we&#8217;re at.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Next stop: the 2023 Deaf Rugby World Cup<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Most importantly, the Ghana matches are the first step in Wales preparing for the Deaf Rugby World Cup in 2023.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wales 15s and 7s were both crowned the World Deaf Rugby 7s champions in 2018, after beating England in Australia, and they have held the title since.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve started planning now with tournaments and training, but we\u2019ve got a whole year to prepare, and with the way we\u2019re set up with our sessions planned, I\u2019m going into it with confidence,\u201d said Mr Perry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65099\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-770x578.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-500x375.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-293x220.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/rsz_img_7352.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption>Players discuss how their training match went, with their interpreter translating the conversation in BSL.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>WRU Deaf only had 12 weeks to prepare for Australia in 2018; now, they have 12 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of the biggest challenges come from new players joining the team, as building a team atmosphere and knowing how each player prefers to communicate is essential for deaf rugby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHopefully we are ready for Argentina, but it\u2019s a lot of work to do because some players \u2013 I don\u2019t know who they are, so I don\u2019t know what they like,\u201d said Mr Moran.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe\u2019ve got to challenge each other and get involved to do well in the World Cup.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There were 11 teams who were ranked in the 2020 Men&#8217;s World Deaf 15s, but more, including Ghana, are expected to be involved with the 2023 World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-746x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-746x1024.png 746w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-219x300.png 219w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-770x1057.png 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-293x402.png 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm.png 790w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"746\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-746x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-65101\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-746x1024.png 746w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-219x300.png 219w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-770x1057.png 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm-293x402.png 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/03\/Screenshot-2022-03-22-at-12.28.46-pm.png 790w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 746px) 100vw, 746px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>While WRU Deaf are optimistic about the World Cup, the players all expressed gratitude that they have this opportunity in the first place due to being deaf or hard of hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s exciting. To be given an opportunity to go to the World Cup is crazy,\u201d said Mr Landers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWithout being partially hearing you\u2019d never get these opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Those interested in getting involved with deaf rugby can visit their website <a href=\"https:\/\/walesdeafrugby.co.uk\/\">here<\/a>.<\/li><li>WRU Deaf is also active on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, with the handle @walesdeafrugby.<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As reigning world champions, WRU Deaf look ahead to their first international match post-Covid and the world cup next year<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":750,"featured_media":65090,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,151,4],"tags":[2180,5202,8036,8039,8037,3285,8038,154,339,1030,8035],"coauthors":[7300],"class_list":["post-65076","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-longer-reads","category-rugby","category-sport","tag-deaf","tag-deaf-community","tag-deaf-rugby","tag-deaf-rugby-world-cup","tag-deaf-sport","tag-disability-sport","tag-ghana-deaf-rugby","tag-rugby-2","tag-wales","tag-wru","tag-wru-deaf"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - 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