EDRU was set up by Marcel Hirshman & Steve Wherry to enable the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people to get together and enjoy the sport of rugby union and be able to participate in every aspect whether training, match, or knowing socially that there aren't any communication barriers due to a common ground.

England Deaf Rugby Union (EDRU) was set up in the year 2003, as it was recognised that that there were quite a few Deaf and Hard of Hearing players who would like the opportunity to represent their country. The reason EDRU got set up was because there was the first ever Deaf Rugby World Championships which was held in New Zealand back in 2002 and yet England Deaf was not there as we did not have a team even though Wales Deaf had one and they won the first World Cup.

This identified a missing gap for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing players in England so EDRU set up a team to compete

In 2005 it was intended by Wales Deaf to host the Deaf Rugby World Championships, but was cancelled due to lack of interest from other countries

The EDRU are aiming to win the Deaf Rugby World Championships and we need your support!

RFU and EDRU have been working in partnership since 2003. EDRU initially approached the RFU for help and guidance in establishing an England Deaf Rugby side. Recently we have been approved as one of their RFU's Associate members. EDRU currently have a large database of players currently playing in the RFU club structure but we are still looking for more players around the country who are capable of reaching the International level of England Deaf Rugby Union

Rules & Regulations for Deaf / Hard of Hearing Rugby– how these differ from the regular RFU Rules & Regulations…they simply don’t!!