England’s Visually Impaired Rugby squad will travel to Tokyo this November looking to defend their world title as they prepare for the 2026 Visually Impaired Rugby World Championship.
Story submitted by Visually Impaired Rugby England
The tournament, held at Komazawa Olympic Park, will feature England, Ireland, France, Japan and New Zealand, with England returning as reigning champions after lifting the trophy in 2023.
England captain Jack Pearce said:
“The players are all hugely excited and thankful for the opportunity to travel to Japan and compete against some great rugby nations. The standard of teams across the world is forever increasing which is hugely motivating for ourselves to arrive in the best possible shape to do our families and our nation proud.”
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Visually Impaired Rugby is a fast-paced, non-contact, seven-a-side game adapted for players with sight loss, combining speed, communication and teamwork while retaining rugby’s core values.
The sport continues to grow across the UK, with national training hubs and increasing opportunities for visually impaired players to represent both club and country. Supported by The Change Foundation and a network of volunteers and sponsors, the programme has welcomed players from diverse backgrounds, whether lifelong rugby fans or newcomers to the game.
Jake Walker, England Coach and Partnerships Coordinator, said:
“VI Rugby gives people the opportunity to be part of a team, challenge themselves and experience everything that rugby has to offer regardless of their level of sight.”
“The growth we’ve seen over the last few years has been incredible. We now have players from all walks of life finding confidence, friendships and opportunities through the sport. Representing England is obviously special, but the real success is seeing more visually impaired people discovering rugby for the first time.”
The squad will continue preparations throughout the summer, including a national training camp at Hazelwood later this month.
Fresh from announcing his retirement from judo, three-time Paralympian and Paralympic champion Chris Hunt Skelley MBE will be part of the England squad travelling to Japan. He said:
“To be able to represent my country again in another sport is a huge honour! This set of lads and ladies that embark on this journey together is going to have the most special time representing our country! Japan is a wonderful country and I am looking forward to going back again and creating more amazing memories!”
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