Wales look to go three-for-three as Deaf Rugby World Sevens get underway

11 nations and 19 teams are set to converge on Tokyo for the 2026 World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship, the third iteration of the tournament set to take place.

Deaf rugby sevens has experienced a significant surge in interest in the last few years, with the last tournament, which took place in Argentina in 2023, featuring four women’s teams and eight men’s teams, including a Barbarians side in each competition.

Wales are current defending champions in both the men’s and women’s tournaments, the men’s side going for a third consecutive sevens title after also winning the first iteration of the tournament in Australia in 2018, defeating England 21-15 in the final.

The Welsh men then defended their title in 2023, defeating Australia 20-5 in the final in Cordoba, while the Welsh women won the inaugural women’s title, defeating England 32-0 in Argentina.

The first incarnation of international deaf rugby was also won by Wales, who claimed the first and only XVs tournament in 2002 with a 28-14 victory over New Zealand at Eden Park, before the tournament swapped to the sevens format in 2018.

However, with the tournament continuing to grow, Wales’ stranglehold at the top in both tournaments is expected to be well challenged as they look to defend their titles in Japan.

The 2026 tournament will see a notable increase, with 11 men’s sides played across two pools, while the women’s tournament will see six teams in action.

Hosts Japan will be returning to the men’s tournament after competing in the 2023 iteration, and will be joined by Hong Kong China, who are set to play their first team in the tournament’s history.

In addition, Australia, Fiji, England, Italy, New Zealand, Samoa and South Africa will make up the remaining sides set to compete in the men’s tournament, with a Barbarians side also included.

The six team women’s tournament will see sides from Fiji, England, New Zealand and Australia, with a Barbarians side also taking part.

The opening round of pool action will take place on Saturday, 31st October at Yumenoshima Stadium, Koto-ku, Tokyo, with the second round on Monday 2nd November at Spears Edoriku Field, home of Japan Rugby League One side the Kubota Spears.

The competition will then conclude with finals at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, the home of Suntory Sungoliath and the Urayasu D-Rocks, on Tuesday, 2nd November 2026.

2026 WORLD DEAF RUGBY 7S CHAMPIONSHIP

Men’s Tournament

Pool A: Wales, South Africa, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, Barbarians

Pool B: Australia, England, Hong Kong China, Japan, Italy

Women’s Tournament:

Pool: Wales, England, Fiji, Australia, Barbarians, New Zealand

2026 Venues:

• Saturday, 31st October 2026 – Round 1 – Yumenoshima Stadium, Koto Ward, Tokyo

• Monday, 2nd November 2026 – Round 2 – Spears Edoriku Field, Tokyo

• Tuesday, 3rd November 2026 – Final – Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium, Tokyo