Ireland’s Vision Impaired (VI) Rugby Team took their first steps on their World Cup journey earlier today.
Aura Leisure is delighted to sponsor the team as they head off to France to compete in the Vision Impaired Rugby World Cup later this week.
The team will land in France today, before two days of training, with the competition taking place on Friday, where they will face England, France, and Wales.
Ireland are being represented by Old Wesley RFC’s Vision Impaired Team and will be hoping to show the world what they are made of come Friday in Stade Mayol.
Speaking ahead of the tournament Vision Sports Ireland CEO Aaron Mullaniff said “At Vision Sport Ireland we are immensely proud to have the Old Wesley RFC Vision Impaired Rugby Team as the Irish ambassadors at the first ever Vision Impaired Rugby World Cup in France. Their journey reflects the spirit of inclusion, determination and possibility that defines Vision Sports Ireland’s mission. I wish to extend our gratitude to Aura Leisure and PwC for their valuable support for the team on this journey.”
Vision Impaired Rugby is based on the Rugby 7’s Touch format, which allows for players of all ages to take part in the sport and has been altered to make the game more accessible for visually impaired players, while maintaining the code of rugby.
Games are played using a full-sized rugby ball that contains bells and ball bearings inside to make the ball audible to the players.
Communication between players is a key part of the game as is communication between players and coaches as they train toward their goals.
This will be the first edition of the Vision Impaired Rugby World Cup and will be the first ever international rugby tournament for vision impaired players.
Aura Leisure is proud to sponsor Ireland’s Vision Impaired Rugby Team and wish them the best of luck over the coming days, we know they’ll do the country proud as we all strive towards a healthier, happier Ireland.