Ghana Rugby Football Union Hosts Inclusive One-Day Rugby Competition for Deaf and Hearing Athletes
Legon, Accra, Ghana – 30 May 2026 – The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) successfully organized a one-day inclusive rugby competition on Saturday, 30 May 2026, at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium in Legon, Accra. The event brought together deaf and hearing athletes in a celebration of inclusion, participation, and sporting excellence.
The competition was designed to provide deaf athletes with an opportunity to participate competitively in rugby while fostering a sense of belonging, equal opportunity, and inclusion within the rugby community.
Throughout the day, the enthusiasm, determination, resilience, and joy displayed by the deaf athletes were truly inspiring.
Participating Teams
The competition featured four teams:
-Conquerors SC Juniors
-Accra Majestics Juniors
-African Warriors Juniors
-Deaf Rugby Team
The Deaf Rugby Team comprised players from Obuasi and Kumasi, while the other participating teams were based in Accra.
The day commenced with a coaching session led by Madam Rafatu Inusah, World Rugby Coach Educator and President of the Ghana Rugby Football Union. The session focused on rugby skills development, teamwork, and the core values of the game.
A significant highlight of the event was the participation of the Deaf Rugby Team, which was established through the efforts of Coach Hakim and Madam Rafatu Inusah, who began training deaf athletes in Kumasi four years ago.
Coach Hakim continues to support the team’s development through regular coaching visits and mentorship.
Match Results
Match 1
African Warriors Juniors 19 – 5 Accra Majestics Juniors
Match 2
Conquerors SC Juniors 17 – 7 Deaf Rugby Team
Match 3
Accra Majestics Juniors 22 – 0 Deaf Rugby Team
Match 4
Conquerors SC Juniors 5 – 0 African Warriors Juniors
Plate Final
African Warriors Juniors 24 – 0 Deaf Rugby Team
Cup Final
Conquerors SC Juniors 19 – 0 Accra Majestics Juniors
After winning all three of their matches, Conquerors SC Juniors emerged as the overall champions of the competition.
Inclusion and Player Welfare
To ensure full participation by deaf athletes, additional visual communication methods were introduced during match officiating. Alongside the referee’s whistle, flags and visual signals were used to communicate stoppages and key match decisions effectively.
Although the Deaf Rugby Team did not have access to all specialized equipment typically used in deaf rugby competitions, extensive precautions were taken to safeguard player welfare. Interpreter was present throughout the event to facilitate communication before, during, and after matches. Match officials, coaches, and medical personnel were also thoroughly briefed on the communication needs of deaf athletes before the competition commenced.
The players demonstrated remarkable strength, speed, agility, resilience, and a strong desire to compete. Their performances highlighted the tremendous potential of deaf rugby in Ghana and reinforced the need for more opportunities and competitions to support its growth and development.
The Deaf Rugby Team was accompanied by its coach and president, Mr. Yaw Kunadu, alongside Mr. Owusu Amuah (General Secretary )-Rugby Sports Development Officer from the National Sports Authority (NSA), Kumasi, and Madam Gifty Sammy who served as interpreter throughout the event.
The Ghana Rugby Football Union was also honoured by the presence of Zainab Alema from the United Kingdom, whose attendance further enriched the occasion.
The success of this competition demonstrates the importance of creating inclusive sporting opportunities for all athletes. The Ghana Rugby Football Union looks forward to organizing additional competitions and development programmes for deaf athletes in collaboration with:
National Sports Authority
Rugby Africa
-World Rugby
-World Deaf Rugby
-Ghana Olympic Committee
-Ministry of Sports and Recreation
-Corporate partners and other stakeholders
The Ghana Rugby Football Union extends its sincere appreciation to all participating teams, coaches, match officials, medical personnel, volunteers, supporters, and stakeholders whose contributions made the event a success. Special thanks go to the players for their commitment, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm throughout the competition.
The Union also expresses its gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a safe, inclusive, and memorable experience for all participants.
Player welfare remains a fundamental principle of the Ghana Rugby Football Union.
The Union is committed to ensuring that all rugby activities are conducted under the supervision of qualified personnel and in accordance with best practices for safety, inclusion, and athlete development.
Through initiatives such as this, the Ghana Rugby Football Union remains dedicated to making rugby accessible to everyone and to promoting equal opportunities for participation, development, and excellence across Ghana.
Issued by: Rafatu Inusah President
Ghana Rugby Football Union