Lack of funding could see deaf rugby team kicked into touch
A TEAM of deaf rugby players are willing to put their bodies on the line for the sake of the country, but the sport’s governing bodies are not giving them the cover they need.
Funding continues to be the biggest challenge for deaf players and administrators, who invariably dip into their own pockets to reach their goals.
The World Deaf Sevens Tournament in Australia is nearly a year away and eligible players are excited.
However, with the SA Deaf Rugby Union (Sadru) unable to attract any sponsorship, the dream opportunity could be kicked into touch.
In 2015, the SA Deaf Rugby team muscled it out with world champions Wales in two official Test matches, played in Pretoria, but are yet to be awarded their national colours, for which the SA Sports Congress and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) is responsible.
As an affiliate of the national governing body, Sadru wants financial backing from the SA Rugby Union (Saru), regarded as one of the richest sporting bodies in the country.
It is worrying times for Mark Barnard, a teacher from Westville, who is brimming with hope of playing “Down Under”. The winger, who played against Wales in 2015, expected greater financial support from Saru and Sascoc.
“We are aware of how far down the food chain we are. Presently, we have no kit or training equipment,” he said.
Given the general bias shown towards people living with disabilities in South Africa, some players cannot afford their own boots or protective gear, nor can we afford to pay coaches or admin staff, said Barnard, who is deaf in both ears.
“As a point of pride, we are trying to deal with our issues and be an asset rather than a drain on Saru.”
Apart from the necessary playing ability, players need to have 50 decibels bilateral hearing loss in both ears to be eligible for the deaf team.
In Barnard’s better ear (right), he can only hear sounds exceeding 90 decibels, which is similar to the roar of chainsaws and lawnmowers.
“Pulling on that jersey is an unforgettable experience and I’m keen to do so again. In fact, Joost van der Westhuizen was our patron and he did much to help us get formal affiliation with Saru,” Barnard said.
Tim Stones revived deaf rugby in the country by forming Sadru in 2007.
The last time the country put out a deaf team was in 1995 when they took on the All Blacks and won the threematch series in New Zealand.
He said while they lost the series against Wales (2-0), it was monumental for deaf rugby in the country.
Stones said the focus is the Deaf Rugby Sevens World Championship, and they had trials planned to select a squad for the Australian tournament, but nothing would be possible without funding.
“We desperately need to secure corporate funding not only for kit and equipment, but to help our mandate of taking deaf rugby to all our constituents, creating awareness and breaking all communication barriers,” Stones said.
Jessica Choga, Sascoc’s spokesperson, said it only provided funding for events such as the Olympics and All Africa Games. She also said “the colours were awarded”.
Andy Colquhoun, Saru’s spokesperson, said Sadru had been given clear communication on how and to what extent it could assist.
“Our support mainly focuses on governance and administration, areas where they needed assistance when we performed a due diligence on their operations, this led to its suspension as an association for much of 2015.
“They were advised that Saru cannot underwrite international participation by associate members. But we can support their application to Sascoc, Lotto and Sport and Recreation SA to fund these undertakings,” he promised.
He denied claims that deaf rugby is low down Saru’s priority list.