3 November 2026
The South African Deaf Rugby Sevens team has concluded its campaign at the 2026 World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championships in Japan.
The squad faced a tough challenge in the knockout stages, bowing out of the tournament after a 36–0 defeat to England in the quarter-finals. England maintained their dominant form throughout the remainder of the competition, ultimately securing the championship title with a 45–05 victory over Australia in the final.
Despite the disappointment on the scoreboard, the tournament provided the South African team with critical international exposure and a benchmark for future development. The players gained high-level match experience that will serve as a foundation for the growth of the sport locally.
A representative from SA Deaf Rugby shared the team's perspective on the overall journey: "Not the outcome we had hoped for as SA Deaf Rugby went down 36–0 to England in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championships.
While disappointed, we leave Japan with invaluable experience, incredible memories and new friendships. We came to compete, we learnt, and we had the privilege of exploring a beautiful country filled with extraordinary people."
The team will now focus on the lessons learnt during the world championships as they return home to build the next generation of deaf rugby talent.