W RUGBY x Wales Deaf Rugby Community Project
One Game, For Every Player
There are partnerships, and then there are moments that feel bigger than rugby.
This one’s both.
W RUGBY is proud to be the official ball partner for the Wales Deaf Rugby Union (WDRU) and their incredible new Community Rugby Project—a grassroots initiative with heart, vision, and a mission we stand firmly behind: rugby for all.
Where It All Begins
Led by former internationals Jon Cudd and Alun Ratcliffe, the WDRU Community Rugby Project is designed to do more than teach passing drills or improve fitness. It’s about creating a space where deaf and hard-of-hearing young people can feel seen, supported, and inspired to play the game they love - on their terms.
Their very first event, held in South Wales in April 2025, brought together over 30 children aged 5 to 16 from across the country. Some travelled hours to be there. All left with something more powerful than a skillset: a sense of belonging.
One story stood out - a young boy who, after the session, finally had the confidence to wear his hearing aid to school for the first time. That’s what rugby can do. That’s what this project is about.
A Ball That Belongs
As WDRU’s community project official ball provider, W RUGBY is doing what we do best: delivering elite-level performance rugby balls to the players who need it most.
But this isn’t just about kit. It’s about what happens when a kid gets their hands on a ball and sees the game open up in front of them.
“Access to quality rugby balls allows kids to take what they’ve learned and keep playing, keep growing,” says co-founder Jon Cudd. “It’s one small thing that makes a massive difference.”
That’s where we come in. W RUGBY coreplay academy training balls are now part of every session - and every story.
From Grassroots to World Stage
WDRU’s legacy speaks for itself. The men’s and women’s teams are reigning World champions. They’ve lifted cups in Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand. And now, they’re building the future—starting at grassroots.
With events planned every 2–3 months across Wales, the Community Project is opening doors for young players to dream bigger. And for those with the drive and talent, the pathway is clear: from local pitch to international tournament.
We’re not just here to donate balls. We’re here to fuel belief.
More Than a Partnership
This partnership is built on shared values—inclusion, opportunity, and a love for the game that knows no limits.
W RUGBY and WDRU believe rugby should be accessible to everyone, regardless of hearing, background, or circumstance. And together, we’re proving that the grassroots game has the power to change lives.
Let’s Keep Building
And this is only the beginning.
We’re proud to stand alongside the Wales Deaf Rugby Union, not just as a partner, but as a team with a shared purpose:
To grow the game. To break down barriers. To give every player the chance to play.
Because this is more than just rugby.
This is what rugby is meant to be.
