EditorSwansea audiologists back world champion Wales Deaf Rugby teams as they prepare to defend titles in Tokyo
The backing from Specsavers Swansea, alongside 10 other locally owned Specsavers audiology businesses across Wales, will fund new kits, training facilities and travel to upcoming fixtures as the teams gear up for international competition.
The sponsorship comes as Wales Deaf Rugby works towards a £150,000 fundraising target to enable its men’s and women’s squads to travel to Japan and compete at the World Championship in October. The teams were last crowned world champions in Córdoba, Argentina, in 2023.
Ahead of a recent winning match against Jamaica, several players visited Specsavers’ Port Talbot store, where they met Kyle James, Specsavers audiologist, to discuss how hearing plays a key role in both sport and everyday life.
Siân-Elin Melbourne, chair of Wales Deaf Rugby (centre left), with Specsavers audiologist Kyle James (centre right, holding rugby ball) and Wales Deaf Rugby players. Image: Specsavers/Wales Deaf RugbyKyle James said:
“Wales Deaf Rugby shows what’s possible when talent is matched with the right support. We’re proud to be backing both the men’s and women’s teams as they prepare to defend their world titles.
“As audiologists rooted in the local community, we see first-hand the difference good hearing health can make – not just in sport, but in confidence, communication and everyday life. Supporting these athletes is about inclusion, opportunity and helping them compete on the world stage.”
Siân-Elin Melbourne, chairman for Wales Deaf Rugby, added:
“This partnership means a huge amount to us, especially in such a pivotal year for the club. I was proud to be part of the very first Wales Deaf women’s team back in 2019, and to now see both squads preparing to defend world titles on the global stage is incredibly powerful.
“Support from Specsavers doesn’t just help with travel and kits – it sends a message to our players that they are valued, believed in and backed by their communities. As we build towards Tokyo, that belief makes all the difference.”
Wales Deaf Rugby is a Welsh sports charity dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, promoting access, equality and excellence in sport. It is volunteer-run and receives no funding from the Welsh Rugby Union.
The club is currently fundraising to reach its £150,000 target to send both squads to Tokyo for the World Championship in October, where they will face international competition as defending champions.
People wishing to donate to the club’s World Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship fundraiser can do so at donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/help-send-wdru-to-the-world-cup-2026.
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Glenn