Specsavers calls on children in Pembrokeshire to design Wales Deaf Rugby World Cup shirts

Children from Pembrokeshire could see their designs for a new rugby kit showcased on the world stage – thanks to a partnership between Specsavers and Wales Deaf Rugby.

Specsavers stores across Wales are teaming up with Wales Deaf Rugby to launch a colouring competition inviting children to design the shirts that the men's and women's teams will wear as they play to retain their world title at this year's World Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship in Tokyo.

Running until Saturday 1 August, the competition will see two winners selected - one for designing the men’s kit and one for the women’s. Each winner will have their design produced and will receive a replica kit. Two runners-up will also receive a £50 colouring hamper.

The partnership supports the Welsh men's and women's squads as they prepare to defend their world titles in Tokyo, helping to fund kit, training and travel costs. The teams were last crowned world champions in Córdoba, Argentina, in 2023.

Siân-Elin Melbourne, Chair of Wales Deaf Rugby, says: ‘This partnership means a huge amount to us, especially at such a pivotal time for the club. I was proud to be part of the very first Wales Deaf women’s team back in 2019, and to now see both squads preparing to defend world titles on the global stage is incredibly powerful.

‘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. As we build towards Tokyo, that belief makes all the difference.’

The Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship is an international tournament that brings together leading deaf rugby teams from across the globe to compete for the world title.

In 2023, 10 men’s and six women’s teams took part in the competition. The next tournament will be staged in Tokyo over six days this October and November.

Lizzie Broughton, audiology marketing manager at Specsavers, adds: ‘We're incredibly proud to support Wales Deaf Rugby as they prepare to compete on the world stage. Through this competition, we're giving local children the opportunity to get involved in the team's journey and show their support in a creative way.

'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 for this year's tournament.'

The partnership follows on from Specsavers’s sponsorship of Wales Deaf Rugby earlier this year, when 11 Welsh audiology businesses contributed towards the club’s £150,000 fundraising target. Specsavers audiologist, Kyle James, also met with the team to discuss how hearing plays a key role in both sport and everyday life.

Colouring sheets are available to collect from Specsavers stores across Wales. Entries should be submitted in-store by Saturday 1 August. To find your nearest store, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores .