Community partnership helps Wales squads prepare to defend titles in Tokyo

WELSH audiologists are backing the world-champion Wales Deaf Rugby squads with a major sponsorship as the teams prepare to defend their titles at the World Deaf Rugby 7s Championships in Tokyo later this year.

Support from eleven locally owned Specsavers audiology businesses will help fund new kits, training facilities and travel costs as the men’s and women’s teams gear up for international competition.

The sponsorship comes as Wales Deaf Rugby works towards a £150,000 fundraising target to enable both squads to travel to Japan and compete at the World Championship in October. The teams were last crowned world champions in Córdoba, Argentina, in 2023.

Ahead of a recent victory against Jamaica, several players visited Specsavers’ Port Talbot store, where they met audiologist Kyle James to discuss the role hearing plays in both sport and everyday life.

Kyle James said: “Wales Deaf Rugby shows what’s possible when talent is matched with the right support. We’re proud to be backing both the men’s and women’s teams as they prepare to defend their world titles.

“As audiologists rooted in the local community, we see first-hand the difference good hearing health can make — not just in sport, but in confidence, communication and everyday life. Supporting these athletes is about inclusion, opportunity and helping them compete on the world stage.”

Siân-Elin Melbourne, chairman of Wales Deaf Rugby, said the partnership was particularly important during a pivotal year for the organisation.

She said: “This partnership means a huge amount to us, especially in such a significant year 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 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.”

Wales Deaf Rugby is a Welsh sports charity dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, promoting access, equality and excellence in sport. The organisation is volunteer-run and receives no funding from the Welsh Rugby Union.

People wishing to donate to the club’s World Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship fundraiser can do so via the campaign page online. Those seeking expert guidance on hearing health can also book a hearing check through Specsavers.

LOCAL Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz has welcomed representatives from LINK to Pembroke Dock for discussions on the urgent need for a dedicated banking hub, following the closure of Lloyds Bank in the town last year.

The visit follows a sustained community campaign led by Mr Kurtz, which has gathered more than 1,500 signatures in support of establishing a banking hub in Pembroke Dock. As a result of this campaign, LINK has reopened its assessment and is now reviewing whether Pembroke Dock and the surrounding communities meet the criteria for a hub.

Mr Kurtz convened the meeting with LINK alongside key local representatives, including Stephen Thornton of the Pembroke and Pembroke Dock Chamber of Trade, Cllr Gareth Jones, Mayor of Pembroke, and Sarah Scourfield, Clerk to Pembroke Dock Town Council. Cllr Michele Wiggins, Mayor of Pembroke Dock, also expressed her support for the campaign but was unable to attend.

Speaking following the meeting, Samuel Kurtz MS said: “I am pleased that LINK are demonstrating the seriousness this campaign deserves by visiting Pembroke Dock and undertaking a thorough review of whether there is a clear need for a banking hub.

“I have consistently made the case that Pembroke Dock cannot be considered in isolation. Pembroke and neighbouring communities must be factored into the assessment, particularly given the rural nature of the area and limited public transport connectivity.

“This is a truly community-led campaign, and I am pleased to have helped bring partners together to make the case. We now await the outcome of LINK’s review and keep our fingers crossed that will see a much-needed banking hub established in Pembroke Dock.”

THE NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD is inviting nominations for some of the festival’s most prestigious honours. Nominations are open until 1 April for the Sir TH Parry-Williams Medal, the R Alun Medal and the Science and Technology Medal.

A fund was established in 1975 to commemorate Syr TH Parry Williams’ contribution to Eisteddfod activities. This year marks fifty years since the medal was first presented to honour individuals who have carried out outstanding work in their community. This year’s award is given by Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for voluntary work to support young people in Wales.

Encouraging people to nominate outstanding individuals who have contributed to their community, Betsan Moses, the Eisteddfod’s Chief Executive, said: “The closing date for some of our most prestigious awards is fast approaching. I know that there are many in Wales who fully deserve the honour.

“This year is an important one as we celebrate fifty years since the Syr TH Parry-Williams Medal was awarded for the first time, in memory of someone who did so much during his life for the language, our culture and the Eisteddfod. We’re grateful to Menter Iaith Sir Benfro for donating the medal this year and encourage people to nominate.”

The R Alun Medal was first awarded last year at the Wrexham Eisteddfod in memory of the late R Alun Evans who was a key figure in developing the festival. The medal is presented to a person who has made a real contribution to supporting, sustaining and enriching the culture of their local area. The 2026 medal will be presented in memory of Martyn and Meryl Lloyd.

The Science and Technology Medal is given in memory of Dr Glyn O Phillips for the first time this year, he was the first winner of the medal and a pioneer in his field. For over twenty years, the medal has recognised the contribution of individuals who have made an impression in the field of science and technology through the medium of Welsh.

The Eisteddfod hopes that nominations will come from across Wales again this year to celebrate those people who have made a real difference in their communities and had an impact in their fields.