Welsh Kids Design Rugby Kits for Deaf World Champions

Young artists in Wales have a chance to create the jerseys that world champions will wear on the international stage this fall.

Specsavers stores across Wales are inviting children to enter a coloring competition that will determine what the Wales Deaf Rugby teams wear at the World Deaf Rugby 7s Championship in Tokyo. Both the men's and women's squads are returning as defending world champions after winning their titles in Argentina in 2023.

Two winning designers will see their creations come to life as official match kits and receive replica jerseys of their own. Two runners-up will each receive a £50 coloring hamper.

The competition runs through August 1, with coloring sheets available at Specsavers locations throughout Wales. Families can pick up the templates and submit finished designs at any participating store.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership goes beyond creative fun. The collaboration helps fund essential costs like kit production, training, and travel expenses for both teams as they prepare to defend their world titles.

Siân-Elin Melbourne, Chair of Wales Deaf Rugby and a member of the first women's team in 2019, shared what this support means. "Support from Specsavers and their customers doesn't just help with travel and kits. It sends a message to our players that they are valued, believed in and backed by their communities."

The Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship brings together the best deaf rugby teams from around the globe. Last year's tournament featured 10 men's teams and six women's teams competing in Córdoba, Argentina. This year's championship will span six days in Tokyo this October and November.

Lizzie Broughton from Specsavers explained why the company chose this partnership. "As hearing specialists, supporting the deaf community is something we're passionate about, and we can't wait to see the designs that young people come up with."

The initiative builds on earlier support from Specsavers, where 11 Welsh audiology businesses contributed toward the club's £150,000 fundraising goal. The company's audiologist Kyle James also met with players to discuss how hearing impacts both sports performance and daily life.

Young designers across Wales now have until August 1 to put crayon to paper and create jerseys that will represent their country at the world championship.