Rugby Journal sponsors Visually Impaired Rugby

The Rugby Journal has sponsored the team shirts for the Visually Impaired Barbarians as they prepare for their first-ever domestic competition.

A rugby team for visually impaired rugby players, formed by The Change Foundation, and supported by the likes of former England and Scotland coach Andy Robinson and Benetton fly-half Ian McKinley, has partnered up with the Rugby Journal.

In addition to the Rugby Journal providing shirts, it’s also helped facilitate for the side to play in the Walker Ground Charity 7s, due to be held in Southgate, North London, on Saturday 7th March. 

The partnership came about after the Rugby Journal told the story of Visually Impaired Rugby in issue 8 [now made available to read for free here]. “Their story was so compelling, about the journeys they’d all been on, whether they started life with no eyesight or they became visually impaired later on,” said Alex Mead, Editor-in-Chief, Rugby Journal. “They already receive excellent support from the likes of Wasps Legends, so the least we could do was sort out some new kit.”

Alex Bassan, who heads up the VI Rugby programme for The Change Foundation said: “VI Rugby is a seven-a-side, non-contact version of the game, with uncontested scrums and line-outs, using an adapted ball which makes a noise to help players locate it when it’s moving. We have been able to develop the game across London and the UK with the support from Wasps Legends Charitable Foundation – our very first official competition is set to take place in September 2020. We have already taken the game to New Zealand, Japan and in April USA and have plans to expand across the Six Nations countries and into Africa.

 “Being able to have the support from The Rugby Journal and Southgate RFC means the VI rugby players are able to access mainstream rugby clubs and develop both their playing skills and relationship skills with others.”

Supported by the Vision Foundation, Eranda Rothschild, RNIB, Metro Blind Sport and British Blind Sport, The Change Foundation have helped the side compete in Tests in Japan in 2019 and also toured at the same time as the British & Irish Lions in New Zealand in 2017, competing both times as the VI Roses, many of that squad will feature this Saturday.

The Walker Ground Charity 7s features social sides from north London, including Saracens Amateurs, Enfield Ignatians and the hosts Southgate RFC.

For more information on the Walker Ground Charity 7s, contact Steve Oliver on 07811 849394. For more information on VI Rugby, contact Alex Bassan on 07824 589414