Sadra announces national squad for World Deaf Sevens Championship

The South African Deaf Rugby Association (Sadra) management team have named the Men’s Elite training squad for the 2023 World Deaf Sevens Championship in Cordoba, Argentina.

The tournament will take place from April 5-9 and it will be the first time that SA compete in a World Deaf Rugby tournament since 1995, having missed the 2003 and 2018 editions. The squad will compete against Argentina, Kenya, Ghana, Australia, New Zealand, England, Japan and the reigning champions, Wales.

The squad has been selected off the back of five gruelling coaching clinics held by head coach Peter de Villiers, assistant coach Marlize van der Merwe and team manager Andy Daniel. De Villiers is satisfied with the squad.

“We have managed, after a tough training programme, to settle on a squad which I think with the necessary support will be prepared and ready to represent our country with pride and dignity,” De Villiers said.

“Thanks to all for your input from the very least to the plenty. We value your input and support. To the chosen ones of this Elite squad; now the hard work begins.

“Let us find the will to prepare to put a marker down as we don’t simply just want to turn up, we want to compete.”

Van der Merwe said: “Being part of deaf rugby as a match official and coach was one of the most humbling highlights of my 20-year involvement in rugby. The inability to hear takes nothing away from your ability to perform as these men are proving.

“I am extremely excited to see the combination of skills, ability and heart displayed to the world. These men are worthy of our support.

“I believe in every player and we encourage the rest of SA to rally behind our team for the upcoming World Cup.”

Questions have been asked about how the players and coaches communicate effectively, but for Daniel this has not been difficult:

“Working with these players has been an incredible eyeopener for all involved, but I have never worked with a team of sportsmen who have been so focused on the job in hand.”

Squad: Mark Barnard, Rodwin Beyers, Admar Claassen, Shani de Jager, Marnus Dercksen, Andre du Toit, Michael Els, Lucien Farmer, Riyaldean Griffies, Gerard Kroese, Johan Liebenberg, Sam Mothapo, Patrick Molotshwa, Boitshepo Motlhala, Nkhumuleni Nkhumeleni, Adin Pieters, Leon Willemans.