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.

SUPPORTERS buying tickets for Wales’ autumn international fixtures can now help raise money for their local rugby club.

The Welsh Rugby Union has launched a new Club Commission Scheme, allowing fans purchasing tickets through my.wru.wales to select any rugby club in Wales to receive £2 from every ticket bought.

The initiative has been introduced ahead of the Nations Championship and is designed to create a direct funding stream from international matchday ticket sales into grassroots rugby.

The money raised will support local clubs with facilities, participation, volunteers and the development of future players, coaches and referees.

WRU Community Director, Geraint John said: “Grassroots rugby is crucial to the future of the game in Wales.

“Local clubs develop future players, coaches, referees, volunteers and supporters who sustain Welsh rugby for generations to come.

“This scheme ensures that the support generated by the national team travels directly back into local communities across Wales, showing how every club matters.”

Wales international Tomos Williams said local clubs remained central to the game.

He said: “Local clubs are massive for rugby in Wales. They are where most of us started out and have been really important in terms of support throughout our careers.

“As a squad, we’re really looking forward to the new Nations Championship and hopefully seeing big crowds at Principality Stadium this autumn.

“It’s great that fans can also support local rugby clubs when buying tickets with the new Club Commission Scheme.”

Supporters can choose their club before buying tickets via my.wru.wales.

Tickets for Wales’ autumn fixtures against New Zealand, Australia and Japan are on sale now.

More than 100 children took part in a day of sport at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun

MORE than 100 pupils from Years 4, 5 and 6 enjoyed a day of sport and activity at a Community Clubs event held at Ysgol Glannau Gwaun earlier this month.

The event, organised by Sport Pembrokeshire and sponsored by Valero, gave young people the chance to try a range of sports delivered by local clubs.

Activities included archery and golf sessions led by Young Ambassadors from Ysgol Bro Gwaun, as well as rugby with Fishguard & Goodwick RFC, hockey with Fishguard & Goodwick Hockey Club, and bowls with Fishguard & Goodwick Bowls Club.

The event was designed to encourage participation, build confidence, and strengthen links between schools and community sports clubs, helping pupils discover new ways to stay active outside school.

Dan Bellis, from Sport Pembrokeshire, said: “This was the second year we have run this event and, as with last year, it was great to see so many children taking part and being active.

“A big thanks to all the students for their enthusiasm, to the local clubs for their support and delivery, and to the Young Ambassadors for being excellent role models.”