Australian deaf rugby teams thrilled to showcase skills in Darwin Masters 10s

THE Australian Deaf Rugby men’s and women’s sides will make their first trip to the Top End to contest the Darwin Masters Rugby 10s and promote their game to a Territory audience.

Deaf Rugby Australia men’s and women's sides will be competing in the Darwin Masters 10s. Picture Supplied

THE Australian Deaf Rugby men’s and women’s sides will make their first trip to the Top End to contest the Darwin Masters Rugby 10s and promote their game to a Territory audience.

The first group of Australian deaf rugby union players formed a squad in 2001, playing against New Zealand at Eastwood in New South Wales, with the side later touring New Zealand in 2005.

Deaf Rugby Australia was officially formed in 2011, playing Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa and Japan deaf sides since.

The organisation’s commitment is to providing assistance and inspiration to hearing-impaired individuals, showing that rugby union is a genuine pathway.

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Former Australian Deaf Rugby captain Dave Kearsey, who is completely deaf in one ear, has been a part of the squad for over 10 years and will coach the men’s side in its Darwin visit for the tournament on the weekend of March 27-28.

“All the players and staff are excited to come up to Darwin in what should be an exciting weekend of rugby,” Kearsey told the NT News.

“For us, this weekend is about bouncing back from not being able to do much during COVID and having a fun weekend of rugby action.

“Anyone wearing these jerseys does so with great pride and for people to get that chance is incredible.

“It’s the most genuine thing I’ve ever been a part of – all about inclusiveness and everyone is welcome, so we want to get the word out and promote ourselves in the Territory.”

ADR has seen a great amount of growth in recent years, with the recent inclusion of a women’s side, which will also feature in Darwin.

Co-founder of Australian Deaf Rugby Deb Coulthard was looking forward to seeing the sides take to the field, but more to show the deaf community that there is a pathway for them in the sport.

“Everyone is ecstatic to be coming along to play in any organised tournament against hearing sides,” Coulthard said.

“It’s everything for us to get this exposure, making everyone aware of what we do and who we are, as rugby is for everyone, including those with hearing disabilities.

“It’s the first time we’ve come to Darwin and we hope to connect with the deaf community in the NT and show them what we’re about.

“You can be hearing-impaired in one ear or completely deaf, it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Come and play with us and you also get the chance to pull on the green-and-gold.”