Visually impaired rugby side play first UK tournament

The VI Barbarians, a rugby side for visually impaired players who are registered blind, have competed in their first club tournament, winning the plate competition after defeating host side Southgate RFC.

Formed from several of the VI Roses England side that played a three-Test series in Japan last year, the side, who featured in issue 8 of the Rugby Journal, competed in the Walker Ground Charity 7s at Southgate RFC in North London. Also featuring London sides such as Enfield Ignatians – the overall winners –  and Saracens Amateurs, the tournament raised £1,200 for The Change Foundation, the charity that uses sport to bring about social change, and set up the VI Rugby programme.

Uniquely, sides wore special goggles that reduced their eyesight to reflect that of their VI Barbarians opponents and, ahead of each match, time was allocated for the visually impaired players to share their experiences.

Dan Lineker, the VI Rugby, assistant coach, said: “To see the guys playing a competitive game of VI Rugby was good to see. For me, seeing everyone get involved and share their experiences was amazing. Seeing some of the younger players explain what they have gone through and how VI Rugby has helped them was aspiring. The money raised at this wonderful event will be going towards us continuing our development of VI Rugby.”

VI Barbarians player Paul said: “I feel we matched the other teams that we played against and even surprised some of them. I am bursting with pride and joy, it was a truly unforgettable day.”

Such was the response to the unique tournament, it’s now going to become an annual event at Southgate RFC, so any sides wishing to compete in the 2021 event, should email alex@talktoeric.com

Read the Rugby visually impaired rugby feature here 

If you’d like get involved with VI rugby, either as a player, coach or sponsor, contact Alex Bassan on  alexbassan@changefdn.org.uk thechangefoundation.org.uk

Pictures by: David Cotter Photography