The South African Deaf Rugby Association (SADRA) heads to Tokyo this autumn to represent SA at the 3rd World Deaf Rugby Sevens Tokyo, joining Deaf rugby teams from around the world for three days of international competition.

After finishing fourth at the 2023 World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championships in Argentina, Team South Africa returns to the international stage with its sights set on a podium finish. Participating nations include Australia, Fiji, England, Japan, Wales, Ghana, Hong Kong China, Italy, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Samoa and South Africa.

Established in 2015, SADRA creates opportunities for Deaf and hard-of-hearing South Africans to participate in rugby from grassroots games through to international tournaments. Alongside the tournament, SADRA’s leadership will also attend the World Deaf Rugby AGM, where South Africa intends to put forward its bid to host the 2030 World Deaf Rugby Championships.

Team South Africa will arrive in Japan ahead of the competition for training and preparation. SADRA is also looking to connect with South African and Japanese businesses interested in supporting the team through in-kind partnerships, including transport, meals and nutrition, cultural experiences, recovery and wellness services and other support during their stay in Tokyo.