Wales Deaf Rugby Union

The Wales Deaf Rugby Union (WDRU) is deeply embedded within the third sector as a registered charity entirely run by dedicated volunteers. Our primary involvement is providing vital accessible rugby opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals of all ages across Wales.

We operate as a national governing body for deaf rugby, distinct from the Welsh Rugby Union’s core funding structure, making us wholly reliant on charitable fundraising, grants, and community support. Our commitment to the third sector is demonstrated through:

Direct Service Delivery: We organise and deliver all training sessions, fixtures, and community outreach programmes entirely through the passion of our volunteer coaches, team managers, and administrative staff.

Community Empowerment: Our work directly addresses social disadvantage and promotes well-being for the deaf community, fostering inclusivity and providing accessible pathways in sport where barriers often exist.

Volunteer-led Sustainability: Roles like our Commercial & Strategy Lead are focused on building long-term financial resilience and strategic growth, ensuring our charitable mission remains sustainable without paid staff. We embody the spirit of the third sector by dedicating our efforts to a specific cause, driven by volunteers for the benefit of our community.