“We know there are many players who may not yet have considered playing at international level however, with the help of Hidden Hearing, we will kick start our recruitment campaign with the aim of demonstrating that Scottish Deaf rugby is anything but quiet!”
The investment covers the team’s jersey sponsorship for the season ahead but, significantly, also includes the provision of state of the art hearing aids to the players.
Stuart Gitsham, marketing director, of Hidden Hearing, said: “Hearing difficulties are traditionally associated with the older generation. In fact, there are a great many young people affected.
“We hope that by supporting the Scottish Deaf international rugby team we can help to raise awareness and demonstrate that enjoying your sport at the highest level and representing your country is a real possibility for people with hearing difficulties.”
Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions internationalist, John Beattie, is the campaign ambassador.
“I’m really delighted to be the team’s ambassador. Many people struggle to hear and it must be no barrier to taking part in sport,” said Beattie.
“On quite a few occasions I have been coaching and have noticed a player watching my mouth intently, only to tell me afterwards that he was struggling to hear.”
Colin Thomson, Head of Community Rugby for Scottish Rugby added: “This is fantastic news for a sport that’s continually broadening its horizons and increasing its accessibility.
“Our colleagues in wheelchair rugby will tell you that disability should not and is not a barrier to competing in our great game and I’d like to commend the Scottish Deaf team for securing such significant financial support from Hidden Hearing.”
