Colwyn Bay audiologists are throwing their support behind Wales’ world champion deaf rugby squads as they prepare to defend their titles on the global stage.

Specsavers Colwyn Bay, alongside 10 other locally owned Specsavers audiology businesses across Wales, is sponsoring the men’s and women’s Wales Deaf Rugby teams ahead of the World Deaf Rugby 7s World Championship in Tokyo this October.

The backing will help fund new kits, training facilities and travel costs as the squads aim to retain the titles they won in Córdoba, Argentina, in 2023.

The sponsorship comes at a crucial time for the volunteer-run charity, which is working towards a £150,000 fundraising target to ensure both squads can travel to Japan. Unlike mainstream representative sides, Wales Deaf Rugby receives no funding from the Welsh Rugby Union and relies heavily on fundraising, sponsorship and community backing to compete internationally.

For players in North Wales, the support carries particular significance. Many squad members train and play across the region, balancing work, family life and travel commitments with elite-level sport. Access to specialist hearing support is also a key part of performance and wellbeing.

Ahead of a recent victory over Jamaica, several players visited Specsavers’ Port Talbot store to meet audiologist Kyle James and discuss the role hearing health plays in both sport and everyday life. Clear communication on the pitch — whether through visual cues, adapted calls or team signals — is vital in deaf rugby, where the game is adapted to ensure fairness and accessibility.

Kyle said the partnership reflects a wider commitment to inclusion. He said Wales Deaf Rugby demonstrates what can be achieved when talent is matched with the right support, adding that good hearing health makes a difference not only in competition, but in confidence, communication and day-to-day life.

Chairman Siân-Elin Melbourne, who was part of the first Wales Deaf women’s team in 2019, described the sponsorship as pivotal in a landmark year for the club. She said the backing sends a powerful message to players that they are valued and supported by their communities as they prepare to compete on the world stage.

Wales Deaf Rugby was established to create inclusive sporting opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, promoting equality and excellence in rugby. The club has grown rapidly in recent years, with both men’s and women’s squads achieving world champion status — a major milestone for disability sport in Wales.

As the countdown to Tokyo continues, the North Wales sponsorship highlights how local businesses can play a role in supporting international sporting success — and ensuring talented athletes, regardless of hearing ability, have the chance to compete at the very highest level.