Fiji's men's and women's Deaf Rugby teams are set for the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship in Tokyo, Japan, running from October 31 to November 3. Recently, the teams were presented with brand-new playing kits, training uniforms, and formal attire, ensuring they are well-prepared for the international competition.
The generous support came from the Australian Government, coordinated through PacificAus Sports. The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Peter Roberts, personally handed over the equipment to players and coaches during a special ceremony.
Fiji's National Pride at Stake
Roberts expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting the significance of representing Fiji on the global stage. "We understand how much it means for these athletes to wear the iconic white jersey, and we are thrilled to contribute to their journey," he stated.
As they approach the championship, Fiji aims to build on last year’s remarkable success, where they claimed both men's and women's titles at the inaugural Pacific Rim Deaf Rugby Sevens tournament held in Australia.
Support Eases Preparation for Teams
Team manager, Lionel Danford, voiced appreciation for the support, noting how it alleviates some of the pressures associated with preparing two teams for an international event.
"Having our complete kits provided alleviates some of the burdens during our preparation and strengthens the players' confidence as they get ready to represent Fiji as one unit," Danford shared.
A Call for More Inclusion in Deaf Rugby
Women’s team captain, Kaleta Dravuni, emphasized that the tournament serves not just as a competitive platform but also as an avenue to raise awareness about deaf rugby, especially encouraging participation among women and girls.
"We aim to reach out to more people, especially those who are deaf, to inspire them to join our team and explore the potential pathways to represent Fiji," she explained.
Australian Deaf Rugby president, David Kearsey, expressed optimism about Fiji's emerging talents and their potential impact on the field. "Fiji is bringing in some exciting new players who are poised to make an impression during the competition," he commented.
Competitive Pools Await
The strategic collaboration between Rugby Australia, Australian Deaf Rugby, the Fiji Rugby Union, and Fiji Deaf Rugby has flourished over the years, promoting the development of players and coaches alike.
In the tournament, Fiji's men's team is placed in Pool A alongside formidable opponents including New Zealand, South Africa, Wales, Samoa, and the Barbarians. Meanwhile, Fiji’s women will compete in Pool B against strong teams such as Australia, England, Wales, New Zealand, and the Barbarians.