Here’s one England team ready for the Kiwis

WHILE the rugby world waits impatiently for the next England/All Blacks clash in November next year, the respective Deaf Fifteens of both countries have seized the bull by the horns and organised a three match series next month.

The Kiwis arrive next week and have a friendly against Bromley on November 1 before the serious stuff starts. The first Test will be at Blackheath on November 4, followed by a second Test at Harlow on November 8 and a final match on Sunday November 12 at Barking. All the clubs concerned volunteered their facilities.

England will be captained by flanker Luke Cheyne, a product of the Barkers Butts club who has also played for Sale and Sedgley Park. Cheyne, 25, below, was born deaf in one ear and is beginning to lose his hearing in the other.

“It never held me back. Being partially deaf is one of the cards I’ve been dealt, you just learn to take it in your stride. Rugby is a sport where it doesn’t matter what you look like or what disability you have, you are welcomed and there is a role for you. And every rugby team is the same, you need to learn how to communicate with your teammates effectively and it’s the same with England Deaf.

“We have players who are completely deaf so I need to be able to communicate with that player as well as another who may have entirely different needs. The most important thing is just getting to know your teammate so we can support each other on the pitch.”