By Cara Kemp
The Australian Deaf Rugby Union prepares to field men's and women's teams at the Cowra 10s tournament on March 1.
Players who are deaf or hard of hearing will travel from all over the country to compete at the 'Eagles Nest'.
For Michael Conroy, a Cowra local and board member of the Australian Deaf Rugby, the tournament is more than just a game, it's a chance to increase awareness and recruitment for deaf rugby.
"I've known the tens since I lived in Woodstock and always wanted to promote a deaf and hard of hearing team in tens to find more players for our international games," Conroy said.
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"We can show how far we've come skill wise as Australia Deaf Rugby is ranked number 2 globally."
"Our players have good skills and will do their best to win."
For Conroy, returning to Cowra for the event is deeply personal.
"Cowra and Woodstock hold a lot of memories for me," Conroy said.
"I went to school in both towns and played footy for Cowra."
"I hope the spectators and locals can come and see our brand of rugby and spread the word to recruit more players, both for domestic competitions and international games," he said.
The Australian Deaf Rugby Union is actively seeking media coverage to attract more players and sponsorships, with a long term focus on the 2026 Japan tour and the next World Cup.
Club president, Richard Coulthard, stressed the importance of exposure in country towns to help grow the sport.
"The most important thing is media coverage," Coulthard said.
"We need to spread the word as much as possible to outlying areas so we can attract more players."
"That's what it's all about, giving them a go," he said.
The tournament also serves a greater purpose in breaking down misconceptions about dead and hard of hearing athletes.
"There's a perception that being hard of hearing is embarrassing, let alone being deaf," Conroy said.
"I know for a fact there are plenty of people out there who won't admit they qualify or don't realise they do."
"I hope that once they see how we play, it changes that," he said.
The Australian Deaf Rugby Union is made up of players from across the country, with the exception of Western Australia.
While some athletes have experience in higher level competitions, others are still developing their game, but each one plays an important role.
"There are a few really good players and a few average players, but all the players make a team," Coulthard said.
"We do the best we possible can."
The team has competed internationally, including at the World Cup in Argentina and a tour to South Africa last year.
Looking ahead, they will face Japan, Fiji, and New Zealand later this year on the Gold Coast as they continue to build towards their major tournaments.
