Inside Out: Inaugural World Deaf Rugby Championship

2002
  • Deaf Sports
  • TV/Media
Inside Out features the inaugural World Deaf Rugby Championship, including coverage of the final between New Zealand and Wales at Eden Park, Auckland in 2002.
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Wales were crowned Deaf Rugby World champions at Eden Park in Auckland on 24 August 2002. Following a hard-fought game against fellow finalists New Zealand, Wales emerged as champions with a 28-14 victory.

Both teams had performed well in the rounds, with New Zealand reaching the final of the inaugural tournament after a dramatic 23-16 win over Australia at Waitemata Park.

This was the first Deaf Rugby World Championship tournament, with Wales winning the right to host the second competition.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

The First Deaf Rugby World Final: Fair Game or Unfair Advantage?

At the inaugural Deaf World Rugby Championships in Auckland in 2002, the final saw the New Zealand Deaf Blacks face off against Wales. Controversy arose when New Zealand accused the Welsh team of not adhering to the tournament’s requirements. The New Zealand captain Awhi Phillips was outspoken, claiming Wales had an unfair advantage by fielding players with lower dB (decibel) levels.
Taonga source:
Inside Out
Original format:
VHS
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, INO02-01-SPO02
Note:
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