Wales Deaf do battle in the memory of Adi Powell
The Wales Deaf Squad embarked on their final game of the season against a Select XV made up of Paratroopers, Commandos and a number of Ringers drawn from around English Rugby and as far a field as Fiji and Canada.
Adrian Powell was a Cardiff boy who became a soldier with 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (Wales Deaf Coach's old Regiment), 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and eventually made it in to the elite ranks of 22 Special Air Service. It rocked everyone who knew Adi when he was tragically taken from them whilst taking part in Military operations.
As the coach of Wales Deaf first started the Adi Powell memorial fixture back in 2000, it was only fitting that his current team would challenge for the trophy on this occasion.
Wales Deaf were bolstered by a few additions who wanted to be part of the day in the shadow of the RFU HQ. These players included a South African and a Lithuanian international player. All the guys who supported Wales Deaf on this momentous occasion were outstanding in their effort and gave a much needed helping hand to a WDRU squad reduced to only 16 on the day.
Blighted with injury and promotion battles, it became difficult for the deaf to raise a team that would be able to challenge what eventually turned out to be, a very good group of players. The initial XV to take the field were all qualified deaf players. They started with a real battle in the trenches. The Adi Powell team threw everything at the boys and eventually broke down a massive defensive effort to score the first 7 points of the game with some outstanding depth running and great handling. Wales Deaf took this blow in their stride, and hit back soon after with an impressive chip from the multi talented tight head prop (Yes!) Chris Ratcliffe, which led to a flash of red touching down in the corner.
The game turned around at 17 - 12 to the Adi Powell XV. The coach Steve Commander pointed out a number of facts to the team that lifted their efforts, the most motivating fact was that they were competing with a number of players who compete in the English Premier League. Realising they could compete at this level meant that the deaf gave an outstanding effort in the second half which saw some quality inter-play, great handling and exceptional heart in what has to have been one of the best games of Rugby ever undertaken by Wales Deaf. The game ended with Wales Deaf turning the game around with about 3-4 minutes remaining, and then tackling like men possessed to keep out the flanking movements of their opponents. Wales Deaf eventually triumphed 27 - 24 and enjoyed the 3rd half in the centre of London.
The presentation after the game meant that The Adrian Powell Memorial framed pennant presented by Gracie Framing & Embroideries could be presented to Adrian's Father who was at the game. This touching tribute left everyone feeling that they had yet again made a difference in someone's life. A great day, in memory of a great man!!!
We must also say a fond farewell to a stalwart of a player Andrew Rees who played his final game for Wales Deaf. Thank you Andy!
Wales Deaf Rugby 22 - 8 North Wales
Wales Deaf welcomed the North Wales regional rugby team to Cardiff on Saturday 15 March.
Selected from clubs across the region, North Wales produced a spirited display in driving rain against the current deaf rugby world champions.
Wales Deaf opened the scoring on 26 minutes with a try from number eight Adam Brake (Rumney RFC), who drove over from 5 metres. Converted by outside half Richard Lewis (Dunvant RFC), Wales looked to build on their lead. However astute positional kicking by North Wales outside half Mathew Parry (Llangefni RFC) ensured they were pinned in their own half for long periods.
On 34 minutes, Wales Deaf centre Gareth John (Tonna RFC) took advantage of forward pressure inside the North Wales 22 to slot a well taken drop goal and extend the lead to 10 -0. Two minutes before the break, indiscretion at a ruck by Wales Deaf allowed North Wales to register points on the board with Parry kicking the penalty.
After the break, North Wales started brightly, probing close to the Wales Deaf try line. With the hosts on the back foot and North Wales threatening to break through, great anticipation by Wales Deaf centre John saw him race away for an opportunist interception try. Outside half Richard Lewis converted from in front of the posts.
Leading 17 - 3 after 46 minutes, loose defensive play by Wales Deaf allowed North Wales to reduce the deficit to 9 points with Llion Trefor (Bethesda RFC) crashing over for a try.
Encouraged by the score, North Wales continued to press with outside half Parry controlling matters at 10. Despite some strong running and good interplay from the visitors, the host's defence held up and with 5 minutes left on the clock, outside half Lewis sealed the victory with a blind side break to slide over in the corner.
Geraint John, team manager for Wales Deaf said: "At times, the conditions proved difficult for both sides and North Wales provided us with a stern test. They came back strongly and enjoyed long periods in our half thanks to some good tactical kicking and a sound lineout. We have enjoyed good success this season and this victory will give us the momentum to further help the development of deaf rugby in Wales."
Wales Deaf Rugby 25 - 17 Steve Ford Invitation XV
Wales Deaf entertained an invitation XV selected by former Cardiff and Wales international winger Steve Ford at the Dairyfield, Llanharan on Saturday 9 February.
In an entertaining game, Wales Deaf outscored their opponents by four tries to two with Wales's flanker Adam Brake (Rumney) deservedly receiving the Man of The Match award.
Steve Commander, team manager for Wales Deaf said: "This was a good test for the team who were up against players who regularly feature for clubs in the First Division of the WRU national league. We coped well with the intensity and physicality of the game, particularly among the forwards. They secured good ball which allowed us to spread the ball through our back line and dictate field position to keep them on the back foot. This will be a great boost to our confidence looking forward to future games."
The Wales Deaf rugby team are the present Deaf Rugby World Champions having defeated New Zealand at the inaugural 2002 World Cup in Eden Park, Auckland. Players representing the team have an average hearing loss of 25dB across both ears.
DEAF RUGBY WORLD CHAMPIONS COME TO LLANHARAN
Rugby fans in Bridgend County will have an opportunity to see the Wales Deaf rugby team this Saturday, 9 February, when they play a Steve Ford Invitation XV at the home of Llanharan RFC.
The Wales Deaf rugby team are the present Deaf Rugby World Champions having defeated New Zealand at the inaugural 2002 World Cup in Eden Park, Auckland. Players representing the team have an average hearing loss of 25dB across both ears.
Wales followed the success of the senior team at Twickenham last weekend by defeating England Deaf by 66 points to seven. This Saturday, they will be playing an invitation side from Premiership and First Division clubs selected by former Cardiff and Wales international winger Steve Ford.
Geraint John, team manager for Wales Deaf said: "We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition. This game is also about raising awareness of the opportunities available to deaf and hard of hearing people in terms of playing sport at the highest level. Our players play regularly for clubs and we would be delighted to meet anyone interested in learning more about deaf rugby."
Kick off at the Dairyfield, Llanharan Rugby Football Club is at 1100 on Saturday morning. Entry is £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for concessions
PERFECT TEN FOR WALES DEAF RUGBY
Wales Deaf rugby recorded a 66 - 7 victory over England Deaf at Coventry on Sunday 3 February to claim the inaugural Broadstreet Cup.
Facing an England side containing a powerful forward unit, Wales secured a comfortable victory scoring 10 tries in an entertaining feast of running rugby. England began in determined fashion with their pack dominating early exchanges; however an interception by centre Gareth John (Tonna) saw Wales ease the pressure with a converted try after 8 minutes.
England hit back almost immediately with a try to level the scores at 7 - 7, however John, who scored four tries in the previous international between the two sides at Dunvant in 2006, showed his class with a second try after 25 minutes.
Latching onto a loose ball, the speedster left the England defence in his wake as he side stepped through from half way to put Wales 12 - 7 ahead. Playing into a strong wind, Wales scored two more first half tries through Nigel Francis (Dudley Kingswinsford) and fullback Michael Watkins (Taffs Well).
After the break, the pacey Welsh backs capitalised on the quick possession provided by their forwards. Wales' ability to counter attack from deep saw further tries from centre Richard Hardy (Pontyberem), flanker Adam Brake (Rumney), Tim Parkinson (Milton Keynes), Nigel Francis and a penalty try. Dunvant outside half Richard Lewis kicked eight conversions and claimed the man of the match award.
Geraint John, team manager for Wales Deaf said: "It's a well deserved victory for the boys and a reward for the hard work and commitment shown in the run up to this match. We were given a tough examination by England; however our forwards stood up to the challenge and gave our backline the opportunities to show their ability."
 WDRU are delighted to announce a series of fixtures for this current rugby season. Wales Deaf will be looking for success both away to England and at home against Scotland, along with other fixtures. All these fixtures are important to us as we continue to prepare to defend our "Deaf Rugby World Championship" status when the Deaf Rugby World Championships will be kicking off in Cardiff in late August 2008. I hope we will see many old faces, as well as new faces at these games. Please view the fixtures page to get more information.
Training dates have been added to the fixtures page. Please confirm with Geraint John if you can attend.
WDRU Dinner has been postponed until further notice. Please check back soon for more information.
WDRU vs Scotland Match Report as seen in the Lanelli Star
Three tries from Carmarthenshire rugby internationals Jonathan Cudd and Ioan Jones helped the Wales Deaf Rugby team overcome a spirited Scotland Deaf side at Braidholm, Glasgow last Saturday.
Having defeated England 65-0 at Dunvant in November, the fifth international between the two sides saw a feast of running rugby with six of the team's nine tries being scored by their pacy backline.
With the sides playing for the Braidholm Bell, the early stages saw the Scottish pack dominate possession inside the Wales 22.
They took a deserved lead with a penalty goal after five minutes
Gusty wind often hampered both sides passing.
However, midway through the first half the Welsh pack began to take control and showed why they are the current world deaf champions.
Tumble flanker Cudd opened the scoring for Wales on 20 minutes, as powerful breaks by the Welsh pack put the Scots on the back foot.
Three more first half tries followed for Wales from full back Mike Watkins, wing Ben Pritchard and Birchgrove hooker James Evans.
leading 22-3 after the interval, Wales Deaf took advantage of excellent support work in the loose with space being created for the backs out wide.
Spirited Scottish defence began to creak in the second half with the visitors adding further tries from Trimsaran scrum-half Jones who crossed twice, number eight Jamie Bahota and the flying Pritchard who finished the game with a hatrick.
Conversions were added by Mark Withey and Dunvant's Richard Lewis.
Steve Commander Wales Deaf Team Coach, said he was pleased with the result and his side's performance.
He said: "The Scots made it very difficult for us early on, but it was pleasing to see the boys work well off each other to create the chances."
"It is a testament to the hard work and preparation put in by the whole squad."
Wales secure excellent 51-3 away win against Scotland Deaf at GHA RFC Glasgow
Please take a moment to read a Tribute to Keith Alun Rowlands (7 February, 1936 - 18 November, 2006) from David Blackburn Chairman of the WDRU.
Images are available from the game against the England Deaf Rugby Union at Dunvant. These images where kindly supplied by www.devilgas.com and can be found on the Gallery page
Click here to view the match report from Wales vs England.
Images are available from the development game against the British Army U21's at Tonna. These images where kindly supplied by www.devilgas.com and can be found on the Gallery page
Photographs from the England Match at Banbury RFC on 19th March 2006 available from www.markel-photography.co.uk ( Plugin Required ).
Match report for England match on 19th March 2006 available here. Author: James Williams.
Photos from the WDRU presentation night at the Millenium Stadium are now available in the gallery.
Wales Deaf Rugby Union are delighted to congratulate Geraint John, Team Manager for passing his Level one BSL certificate. Many Congratulations
Wales Deaf Rugby Union is delighted to announce the arrival of a new Head Coach, Steve Commander following the resignation of Richard Davies last month. Steve has a wealth of experience of coaching in several countries; at club, university, army and representative level. Steve's appointment is effective immediately
Photographs taken at Wales Deaf RU v England 5th February 2005 match game can be seen in the Gallery. Many thanks to Darren Griffiths and Les Jones for their contribution.
Wales Deaf RU played against England Deaf on Saturday 5th February 2005. Wales Deaf RU won the game, 24-0. It was a fantastic day and many thanks to all who were involved to make it a success. See match report for full details of the game. Match Report.
Wales Deaf RU returned victorious from Scotland last weekend with a 37-12 score-line. See match report for full details of the game. Match Report
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