Fiji deaf rugby teams need up to $70K for Japan world championship
The deaf men's and women's teams need up to $70k for World Deaf Rugby Sevens campaign in Tokyo
Monday 05 October 2026 | 11:30
The Fiji men’s and women’s Deaf Rugby 7s teams during the training session at Sigatoka Sand Dunes.
The Fiji's men's and women's deaf rugby sevens teams need between $50,000 and $70,000 to fund their campaign at the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship in Tokyo, Japan, from October 31 to November 3.
Team manager Lionel Danford said funding remained the biggest challenge despite support from the Fiji National Sports Commission through its Disability Funds and the Australian High Commission's PacificAus Sports programme.
"We are also thankful to the Australian High Commission (DFAT) via their PacificAus Sports funding, and for funding the kits for the players and management team. There still remains a funding gap of about 50-70K to fully support the tour," Danford told SUNsports.
He said additional funding was needed for daily expenses and camp preparations.
"We are still looking for funds," he said.
Danford said consistent player numbers, particularly in the women's team, were also a challenge because of work and family commitments.
Many of the players are unemployed and must cover their own transportation costs to training.
Despite the challenges, Danford said preparations had been positive, with both teams entering camp last Sunday.
"Morale is very high, especially when we are giving them attention and letting them know that we are preparing well as much as any national rugby team prepares for a tournament," he said.
The men's team is in Pool A with defending champions Wales, South Africa, New Zealand, Samoa and the Barbarians.
The women are in Pool C alongside Wales, Australia, England, the BarÂbarians and New Zealand.
Danford acknowledged the tough draw but said the teams would be ready for the challenge.
"We will be well prepared, knowing all teams are also preparing well as this is the World Cup and it comes every four years," he said.
Both teams are targeting the chamÂpionship titles, with preparations focused on conditioning, technical skills and developing a clear game plan.
"We need more work around our technical areas, especially for our women's team," Danford said.
The teams will also scrimmage against the Fiji men's national sevens team at the Pasifika Communities University at 3pm tomorrow.
Danford thanked Fiji sevens coach Osea Kolinisau for the opportunity, saying the session would help assess their fitness and set pieces.
He said it could also provide an opportunity for deaf players to earn selection into the national sevens training squad and potentially compete in the HSBC SVNS series.
Both teams trained at the Sand Dunes in Sigatoka last Saturday.
"Our motivation comes from God. It's something we've talked about from day one as we moved into camp," Danford said.
The teams depart for Nari ta, Japan, on October 27 and return on November 5.
