The Fiji men’s and women’s Deaf rugby teams had a stellar performance at the Pacific Rim Deaf Rugby 7s tournament held in Australia over the weekend. The men’s team went through the tournament undefeated and secured the 2025 championship title by defeating Australia with a convincing score of 40-10 in the final match. Earlier in the tournament, they showcased their dominance by winning all their pool matches, including overpowering Samoa 44-5 and shutting out Japan 40-0.
The national women’s team, after facing a setback against the Barbarians with a 12-24 loss on the first day, made an impressive comeback on the second day. They triumphed over Australia in the finals with a decisive 26-0 victory, clinching the title in their division. Notably, the women avenged their earlier defeat by narrowly winning against the Barbarians 10-5 in their rematch.
This tournament builds upon last year’s remarkable success where the women’s team made history by claiming gold at the Australian Deaf Games. It not only emphasizes the progress made by Fiji’s Deaf rugby teams but also highlights the increasing support for athletes with disabilities in the country. Both teams have been able to showcase their talents on an international stage, fostering hope and optimism for the future of deaf rugby in Fiji.
The ongoing support from the Fijian government and local rugby organizations has been vital in boosting the visibility and reputation of deaf rugby, reinforcing the notion that when barriers are removed, extraordinary accomplishments can occur. The commitment and determination shown by these athletes inspire communities and demonstrate the potential for inclusion in sports.
Overall, the achievements of Fiji’s Deaf rugby teams at the Pacific Rim tournament reflect not only their hard work but also the spirit of resilience that can empower athletes with disabilities. Such victories pave the way for future opportunities and showcase the beautiful possibilities within inclusive sports.
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