ARRIVA TRAINS WALES SPONSOR RUGBY WORLD CHAMPIONS

The deal for the 2005/06 season sees sponsorship of new match and training kits, and forthcoming matches against Japan, Malta, England, France and Scotland. It will also focus on the development of grass roots deaf rugby across Wales, which is aimed at attracting new players to the game.

The sponsorship was officially announced on Monday 22 August 2005, pitch-side at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium, when the team’s new kit was officially unveiled by David Blackburn, chairman of WDRU and Graeme Bunker, Managing Director of Arriva Trains Wales.

“We are delighted to be able to sponsor the Wales Deaf Rugby Union team and are looking forward to an exciting and successful partnership,” said Graeme Bunker.

“Our train services extend to all areas of Wales and we will be seeking to support the development of deaf rugby in communities right across our network.

“Working in partnership will also help us to better understand the needs of deaf and hard of hearing people and ensure we are offering the best possible service to all our customers when travelling by train.”

David Blackburn, chairman of Wales Deaf Rugby Union said: “It’s an exciting time to be associated with Wales Deaf Rugby as we are enter an exciting season with the highest number of fixtures ever played by a Wales Deaf team since 1996, starting with Japan’s historic tour of the British Isles later this month.”

“Wales is also embarking on a challenging journey to implement a development programme which gives deaf children and adults the opportunity to learn and play rugby throughout Wales – the partnership with Arriva Trains Wales will enable us to start exploring how we can develop deaf rugby in Wales and we look forward to making the journey together.”

The Wales Deaf Rugby Union team were crowned world champions in 2002 when they defeated the hosts, and tournament favourites, New Zealand 28-14 at Eden Park, Auckland.