AFTER three years of work an idea became reality a few weekends ago when a Deaf Awareness Rugby day was held in Crediton.

This day was the first of its kind in the country and took place as the result of collaboration between Exeter Deaf Academy, England Deaf Rugby and RFU community rugby coach Wayne Reed.

The day consisted of a deaf awareness session run at Queen Elizabeth’s School in which interpreters shared information to players, parents and coaches who attended about sign language and deaf awareness when coaching rugby.

This was followed by an open coaching session which was run by Wayne and the England Deaf coaches with more than 30 boys, girls, men and women joining in.

England Deaf head coach Shaun Fletcher said: “To see kids and adults of all ages interacting and simply playing rugby is unbelievable.

“Not only is this a huge step in identifying the potential England Deaf players for the future, it is also fantastic opportunity to raise awareness if Deaf Rugby in the South West of the country.

“This whole process has been unbelievably successful and it is a pleasure to be working alongside Exeter Deaf Academy and Wayne Reed.”

Nichola Birch, from the Exeter Deaf Academy, felt it was great that deaf people including their students were getting this opportunity.

She said: “We’re proud to be part of the first Centre of Excellence for Deaf Rugby.

“Deaf people can often find it difficult to take part in sport activities and can miss out on all the health benefits that come with it.

“Working with England Deaf Rugby and Wayne we hope to help change this by making rugby more accessible.

“Through events like these we also hope to increase deaf awareness with local coaches so deaf players can be supported at their own clubs.”

Following a great morning and as a finale to the day, and to promote deaf rugby in the region, the England Deaf Rugby Team played a match against an Ide Barbarians team at Crediton RFC with three hearing impaired players representing Ide and being invited to attend future England deaf training sessions.

After a close, hard-fought match, the International team ran out winners by a score of 12-5!

Thanks went to Devon RFU for its support and vision to include inclusive rugby into its strategy and Crediton RFC for the use of its facilities and helping make this day such a success.

No entry fee was charged but a bucket collection was made and £350 was donated to the Deaf Rugby charity.

Wayne Reed, said: “It was a fantastic day which exceeded all expectations.

“It was really well-attended with players travelling from as far away as Cornwall and Oxfordshire.”

Wayne added, that, as a result of the day, his aim is now to support individuals by linking them to clubs and helping with their transition into playing for mainstream teams.

He said that following on from this event he will continue working with the Exeter Deaf Academy helping to promote regular training sessions and events in Devon.

He added: “The hope is that this model can then be shared nationally so that it can be replicated giving other deaf people the opportunity to play rugby.”