Come August 8, deaf rugby will be in the spotlight, playing the first official Deaf Test international in South Africa. And who better to play than the reigning deaf world champions, Wales?
While deaf rugby in South Africa stretches back to 1998, it was only last year that the SA Rugby Union (Saru) sectioned the SA Deaf Rugby Union as an affiliate member.
After getting official Test match status, head coach Danie Engelbrecht and the union held trials from which a squad of 26 players were chosen and ultimately donned the title of the SA National Deaf team, also known as the Deafboks.
Engelbrecht added that out of the squad of 26, at least 15 players represented the Special Schools Craven Week team and also represented the Special Schools SA rugby team.
