Team Photo: New Zealand Deaf Rugby Football Union, New Zealand v South Africa, 1995

NEW ZEALAND DEAF RUGBY FOOTBALL UNION, 1995; INAUGURAL INTERNATIONAL DEAF RUGBY TEST SERIES — NEW ZEALAND & SOUTH AFRICA IN NEW ZEALAND. RESULTS VS. SOUTH AFRICA; FIRST TEST 15-22. SECOND TEST 17-8; THIRD TEST 0-46; POINTS FOR: 32; POINTS AGAINST: 76.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Richard Hay

Chaos, Faxes & Rugby: Richard Hay’s Wild Ride as NZ Deaf Blacks Manager!

Richard shares his whirlwind experience as Team Manager of the New Zealand Deaf Blacks during their historic 1995 tour, hosting the Deaf South Africans in New Zealand. With no one stepping up to take on the Team Manager role, Richard put his hand up. Managing logistics in the era of fax machines was no easy feat — especially after a hand operation left him writing like a child with his non-dominant hand! Doubts arose about his ability to handle the job, but despite the chaos, it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.

NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

From Snow to Steam: An Unforgettable Rugby Journey

In 1995, history was made as New Zealand hosted the inaugural International Deaf Rugby Test Series between South Africa and the Deaf Blacks. After a hard-fought second test in Palmerston North, claimed by the in-form Deaf Blacks, the series was tied at 1-1. With everything to play for in the final test in Auckland, both teams boarded a bus bound for Auckland. But this was no ordinary trip. A snowed-out Desert Road left the South Africans in awe, followed by an unforgettable dip in the hot pools of Rotorua. Now, the former Secretary of the New Zealand Deaf Rugby Football Union reveals the unexpected outcome of that legendary journey!

Adrian Boyd

Alicia Upton