South African Deaf Rugby to scout for new World Cup talent

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: This Saturday’s Winelands 10s tournament would be another ideal opportunity for South African Deaf Rugby Association (SADRA) to get some new talent for the next year’s World Cup in Japan.

Following the successful launch at the Jozi 10s, the initiative now heads to the Winelands 10s at Boland Landbou Skool, Paarl, on Saturday, November 1, before wrapping up at the Cape Town 10s in February 2026 – the final opportunity for players to get tested.

The campaign aims to identify rugby players with a moderate hearing loss (40dB or more) who may unknowingly qualify to represent South Africa at the 2026 World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championships in Japan. As a member of SA Rugby, the national deaf rugby team proudly qualifies for official South African national colours, giving players the opportunity to wear the green and gold on the world stage.

The non-intrusive hearing test takes just five minutes, and the Hearing Works team will be based on Field 1 in the change rooms during the Winelands 10s.

Japan, marks South Africa’s second appearance at the World Deaf Rugby Championships, after an impressive 4th-place finish in Argentina in 2023.

SADRA Vice President Lauren Terras, who also serves as Vice Chair of World Deaf Rugby, said:

“There’s so much untapped talent within South African rugby. Many players have mild to moderate hearing loss and don’t even realise they qualify to wear the green and gold. This partnership allows us to reach those players and give them the chance to represent their country.”

SADRA’s leadership team combines strong administrative experience and elite rugby pedigree:

Roelof Kotze, SADRA President and Trustee of World Deaf Rugby; Pieter Terblanche, SADRA S&C Coach and former Bulls & Sharks Coach; Stevie Meyer, former Sharks, and international player and Tom ‘Moose’ Hendry, Western Cape lead and Villager FC Team Manager.