2026 World Deaf Rugby 7s Championship – Everything You Need to Know

Japan hosts the 2026 World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship, with the Women’s and Men’s competitions taking place from 31 October to 3 November 2026.

Updated Pools

This is only the third edition of the event, and it was announced that Japan would host it in late 2024. The previous editions were held in Australia in 2018 and in Argentina in 2023.

Most (if not all) of the participating teams are self-funded and crowdfunding to make it to the tournament, which is being run under the slogan “Equal through Rugby.”

2026 World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship Teams & Pools

At the Argentina-hosted World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship 2023, 4 Women’s teams were involved and 8 Men’s teams (both featured a Barbarians team, and they will also feature in 2026).

Japan was the only Asian nation to send a team (a men’s side), while 10 players from Hong Kong Deaf Rugby played in the Barbarian sides.

For the 2026 tournament, there were expected to be 12 Men’s teams and 7 Women’s teams. Both Japan and Hong Kong are confirmed for the men and in the end 11 Men’s teams and 6 Women’s sides will be in action.

Men’s Teams & Pools

Pool A

• Wales
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Samoa
• Fiji
• Barbarians

Pool B

• Australia
• England
• Hong Kong China
• Japan
• Italy

Initially, Zimbabwe and Ghana were also due to compete.

Women’s Teams & Pools

Pool C

• Wales
• England
• Fiji
• Australia
• Barbarians
• New Zealand

Initially, Zimbabwe was also due to compete.

2026 World Deaf Rugby 7s Championship Venues

The hosts confirmed the venues in August 2026 as;

• Saturday, October 31 – Round 1 – Yumenoshima Stadium, Koto Ward
• Monday, November 2 – Round 2 – Spears Edoriku Field
• Tuesday, November 3 (public holiday) – Final – Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium

Confirmed Squads

The Japanese men finished 7th in 2023, the Barbarian men 8th, and the Barbarian women were 4th. The 2026 World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship will again feature Barbarian teams.

Wales are the Women’s and Men’s defending champions.

We will add more teams as they are announced. 

England Women & Men – 2026 7s Championship Squads

Fiji Women & Men – 2026 7s Championship Squads

Barbarians Women & Men – 2026 7s Championship Squads

Miharu Kobayashi from Japan was selected as a member of the Women’s Barbarians team as well as 5 players from Hong Kong: Wing Yin Cheung, Hoi Kiu Cheung, Yan Tung Yiu, Hoi Yee Ng, and Pui Man Cheng.

Wales Women & Men – 2026 Championship Squads

Wales Deaf Rugby said online, “The World Championships bring together the leading deaf rugby nations in the world. For Wales, it is a chance to compete with pride, ambition and purpose while continuing to set the standard for deaf rugby internationally.

But this campaign is about more than just focusing on performance on the pitch. We want to create opportunities for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes, raising the profile of deaf rugby in Wales, and showing what can be achieved through belief, resilience and collective support.”

New Zealand Women & Men – 2026 World Deaf Rugby 7s Championship Squads

Italy Men – 2026 World Deaf Rugby 7s Championship Squad

Japan Men – 2026 World Deaf Rugby 7s Championship Squad

The list of Japanese Men’s players can be seen here. The bulk of the team plays for Quiet Typhoon.

South Africa Men – 2026 World Deaf Rugby 7s Championship Squad

How To Watch  World Deaf Rugby 7s Championship 2026

The organisers have not yet confirmed streaming or broadcast options, but matches are free to attend (no ticket required).

It should also be noted that World Rugby has incorporated International Sign interpretation into a number of learning resources available through the World Rugby Passport platform.

Japanese Rugby Tournaments 2026

• Asian International Rugby Tournaments 2026.
• Asahi Super Dry Pacific Nations Cup 2026.
• JRLO 2026-2027 Season Will Kick Off on December 12.
• Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V. Extends Support to 2026 WXV Global Series.