As a lesser known section of the SRU, providing a valuable opportunity to engage in sport for those with a hearing impairment, we took the opportunity to find out a little more.
Q: So, can you explain, what is Scottish Deaf Rugby?
A:It does what it says on the tin. We are a team made up of players with a hearing impairment; some of our members have a slight loss of hearing, others are profoundly deaf. The majority of our games are international fixtures, we recently played Wales and England and we’ve also taken on teams from as far afield as Japan. We’ve been going since 1999 and the good news is that anyone who likes rugby can join; in fact we are currently recruiting.
Q: Great, if any of our readers want to join how do they get in touch?
A:They can contact their local rugby club who will be able to pass on our details, or visit our website. Scottish Deaf Rugby
Q: Although the rules are the same, what would you say are the main challenges?
A:Apart from bigger opponents and regularly playing the Welsh squad, who are the current Deaf World Champions, it is hearing the referee’s whistle. But it only takes a second to sense the game has stopped. We are quite a skilled bunch, not only do we have to keep our eye on the ball, but what is going on around us and the referee too.
Q: What has been your biggest playing highlight?
A:Last year we played England in the Kolkata Cup, although the game finished 27 -27 as tournament hosts we lifted the cup, which was a fantastic achievement. To top the occasion off we were special guests at the Scotland Australia international at Murrayfield. To a rapturous applause we paraded the cup in front of the main stand before kick-off, I’ll never forget it.
Q: And you’ve been spreading the Glasgow 2014 message on your travels?
A:As you can see from the picture we’ve been only too happy to spread some 2014 love. Like the rest of the team I really do believe that winning the Games would be a fantastic achievement for a fantastic city, both culturally and economically.
On a personal note it would be a dream come true to watch first-class international teams like Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji in competition in my backyard – well almost! And it gives us a chance to show the beauty of Scotland to a wonderfully wide audience.
Q: Were many of your supporters aware of the 2014 message?
A:Yes, almost every one of the Scottish supporters knew of the City’s bid, and what’s more the overwhelming feeling is that everyone wants Glasgow to win. It would open up a wealth of sporting opportunities for our children and it would provide the impetuous to take part, what better way could there be to push the healthy living message that is so important today.
We took the opportunity to educate our English and Welsh counterparts who, I’m glad to report, are now also right behind the bid – they love coming to Glasgow and think it would be the perfect Host City. Without any prompting they said the friendly games should definitely come to the friendly city.
Thank you to Drew and his team for their work so far, and for agreeing to carry on spreading the Bid message as they continue on their travels this year. If you are interested in finding out more visit
Scottish Deaf Rugby