Making History: The Deaf Blacks’ First Overseas Tour to Wales (1998)

In 1998, the New Zealand Deaf Blacks travelled overseas for the first time, touring Wales. The trip was expensive, with each player needing to raise $6,000, but after fundraising and securing grants, they reduced the cost to about $3,700 per player. When they arrived, one player’s bag was lost, and he had to manage for a week with donated clothing and gear. Despite the challenges, the team was warmly welcomed, receiving free meals from Deaf clubs and rugby clubs, with only two dinners paid for themselves. Some players stayed on to travel, making it a memorable and rewarding experience.