Prior to the Inaugural Deaf Rugby World Championship in Auckland 2002, friendly games were played against the Japan and Wales Deaf Rugby Teams. The game versus Japan was at Massey Park, Papakura on Saturday 17 August 2002. Japan won 20-17. The game versus Wales at Waitemata Park was on 18 August 2002. Wales won 41-10.

The 2002 Maori / Pacific Island Deaf Rugby Invitational XV consisted of: Leith Tangiwai, Salisu Toalima, Sheldon Patuawa, Daniel Greenwood, Tinga Katipa, Tauri Lyndon, Nakuvae Rua, William Ellis, Fetuao Ualesi, Murray Speers Jr, Luke Grey, Paul Lindsay, Bradley Poutai, James Howie, Rodney Noble, Hoia Tatana, Alexander Folomu, Retimana Paul, Richard Peri (coach), Hemi Hema.