A rugby partnership built through coaching exchanges and a shared passion for growing the deaf game is bringing Australia and Fiji closer together as both nations prepare for the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship in Japan.
Australian Deaf Rugby has worked alongside Rugby Australia, the Fiji Rugby Union and Fiji Deaf Rugby to provide training clinics with players and coaches in Fiji, with the Australian Government’s PacificAus Sports program backing these opportunities since 2023.
The partnership has continued to grow, with PacificAus Sports funding much needed playing and training kits and formal wear for Fiji’s men’s and women’s teams ahead of the World Cup in Tokyo from 31 October to 3 November.
Australian Deaf Rugby President and Australian men’s head coach David Kearsey said the relationship had been rewarding for both countries and that Fiji’s emerging talent made them a team to watch.
“It’s been great working with Fiji’s players and coaches and learning from each other,” Kearsey said.
“They’ve got some new players coming through who we know can do some damage on the field. We’re looking forward to catching up with our Fijian vuvale and we’re quite happy to be in separate pools to start with in the men’s division.”
Fiji heads to Japan after winning both the men’s and women’s titles at last year’s inaugural Pacific Rim Deaf Rugby Sevens tournament in Australia.
Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Peter Roberts joined Fijian players and coaches for the kit handover, recognising their dedication as they prepare to represent Fiji on the world stage.
“What you do inspires people right across Fiji, showing them what’s possible,” Roberts said.
“We love competition and we love working together and supporting each other. I came here today to congratulate and wish you well, and I’m very glad that Australia through PacificAus Sports was able to provide your kits.”
Fiji team manager Lionel Danford said the support had eased some of the demands of preparing two teams for international competition.
“We’re grateful to PacificAus Sports for backing our men’s and women’s teams,” Danford said.
“Having our full kits provided takes some pressure off our preparations and helps the players feel ready to represent Fiji together. They’ve worked hard for this opportunity, and we want them to enjoy it and give their best.”
“We also thank the Fiji National Sports Commission, Fiji Rugby Union and Raiwaqa Bus Ltd for supporting us, and welcome further support from anyone willing to get behind our teams.”
For Fiji women’s captain Koleta Dravuni, the World Cup is also an opportunity to show more deaf women and girls where rugby can take them.
“Deaf rugby is growing in Fiji, but we want more people to know about it, especially deaf girls and boys who might not realise there is a team they can join and a pathway to represent their country,” she said.
“We’re proud to wear the Fiji jersey. We want to win, but we also want people watching us to see what can be achieved when you have the opportunity and support.”
Australia’s men will face hosts Japan, England, Hong Kong China and Italy in Pool B, while Fiji will take on New Zealand, South Africa, Wales, Samoa and the Barbarians in Pool A.
The women’s competition will bring the two nations together on the field, with Australia and Fiji joining England, Wales, New Zealand and the Barbarians in the pool stage.
