30 October 2026
The South African Deaf Rugby Sevens team has touched down in Tokyo ahead of the 3rd World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship. The 12-man squad finalised their preparations following an official capping ceremony at Loftus Versfeld Stadium earlier this week. Head coach Roelof Kotze’s men are targeting a gold-medal upgrade from their fourth-place finish at the 2023 tournament in Argentina.
The South Africans face a brutal physical test in Pool A against world rugby powerhouses. The Deaf Bokke launch their campaign on Saturday, 31 October, with a double-header against Fiji and New Zealand at Yumenoshima Stadium. Subsequent group fixtures pit them against the Barbarians, defending champions Wales, and Samoa, before the knockout rounds commence on 3 November.
South Africa Deaf Rugby Sevens Touring Squad:
* Marnus Dercksen (Captain)
* Riemerd Spreeth
* Johan Liebenberg
* Enrico Abrahams
* Admar Claassen
* Lucien Famer
* Rodwin Beyers
* Leon Willemans
* Marchello Petro
* Patrick Motothwa
* Boitshepo Motlhala
* Gregory Adelaar
Pool A Fixtures (All times SAST):
* 31 October, 04:50 AM: South Africa vs. Fiji (Yumenoshima Stadium)
* 31 October, 09:45 AM: South Africa vs. New Zealand (Yumenoshima Stadium)
* 2 November, 04:15 AM: South Africa vs. Barbarians (Edogawa Athletic Stadium)
* 2 November, 08:51 AM: South Africa vs. Wales (Edogawa Athletic Stadium)
* 2 November, 10:58 AM: South Africa vs. Samoa (Edogawa Athletic Stadium)
* 3 November, TBD: Knockout & Placement Rounds (Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium)