South Africa beat New Zealand in an impressive performance as they look to improve on their fourth-place finish in 2023.
Tokyo, Japan (03 November 2026) – South Africa’s Deaf Rugby team have given supporters plenty to celebrate after producing an impressive 25-0 victory over New Zealand at the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
The result was a strong statement from the South Africans, who are looking to build on their previous international experience and enjoy an improved campaign on the world stage.
The tournament, which runs from 31 October to 3 November, brings together men’s and women’s teams from around the world to compete in the seven-a-side version of rugby. It also aims to grow deaf rugby internationally and promote greater inclusion and understanding through sport.
For the South African men, there is added motivation after finishing fourth at the previous championship in 2023. Several players have returned with valuable international experience, while captain Marnus Dercksen is also part of the current squad after representing the country at the previous tournament.
Having experienced the demands of international competition before, the team will be hoping to turn that experience into an even stronger finish this time around.
The victory over New Zealand was an encouraging start to their campaign.
With the tournament reaching its knockout stages on Tuesday, 3 November, the team will be looking to carry that fighting spirit into the business end of the competition.
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