The Australian Deaf Rugby is set to embark on a tour of South Africa from August 3-8 as they test themselves against the rest of the world.
The competition will be hosted in Sandton, Johannesburg, with Australia's Deaf Rugby team entering into the Sevens and Tens format.
It will begin on August 3 as the Aussies face South Africa, Japan and England in the seven-a-side format, with the finals set for the following day.
They will then take on the hosts and the English in a series of Tens matches before the top two sides face off on August 8.
"Unfortunately due to the spread and distance between the players we have only been able to hold one full training weekend together as a squad," Deaf Rugby Australia's Deb Coulthard said. "Men’s coach Dave Kearsey took the side through moves, attacking structure, defensive shape as well as each player’s individual role in the tour.
"We have players from so many different parts of the country so it was a great weekend to galvanise them together as a squad.
"Having a disability can be a terrible life story of hardships and disadvantage so we always make time for the players and staff to tell their honest and raw story about their deafness or hearing loss. These stories are all unique and build respect as everyone understands what the others have had to overcome to not only play rugby but to earn their way to the national squad.
"We have a professional interpreter at all times and a good mix of signing and non-signing players. The non-signing players are given Auslan signs to remember and everyone has a sign name so the severely deaf and the hard of hearing (H.O.H.) are all in an inclusive environment.
"The emphasis to the players who they represent with the Australian jersey on. Their country, the Australian Deaf and HOH community and of course their families. In preparation for the tour all are given set moves to study as well as benchmark personal fitness and strength goals so as to leave no stone unturned."
Match schedule is up! #DeafRugby #rugbyaustralia #rugbysevens #shuteshield #nswrugby
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"Every player has their own individual, unique story. All consist of overcoming the hardship of either being born deaf or losing their hearing at some stage throughout their life and having to adapt their lives," Coulthard added.
"We are fortunate to have 3 x proud Indigenous men in the squad from near Cairns in North QLD. Royden Chatfield, Robert Dalton and Paul Thaiday. Paul is originally from very remote Thursday Island. Unfortunately some of these young men lost their hearing due to a lack of appropriate medical attention and medical assistance availability in their remote communities. One from an infection caused from a cut toe that travelled through his blood to his eardrums.
"We have most players playing club rugby in NSW, QLD and TAS, there are 6 debutants coming to South Africa, something which we are proud of.
"Rugby is the tool that brings the world to these men despite their disability and gives them the opportunity to make their families and the entire Australian Deaf and HOH community proud. Throw in them simply being proud Australian men and there is REAL power in that."
Australian Deaf Rugby Union Team to Tour South Africa
Tim Anstey (c), Jack Cale, Antony McColl, Kyle Howlett, Anau Takiari, Ben Rogers, Royden Chatfield, Rob Dalton, Paul Thaiday, Josh Chapman, Noah Thick, Ron Franklin, Apenisa Donu, Dave Page, Darcey Beaven-Duncan
