Andy Fleet and Hayden Fraser, both Salisbury residents, are set to represent England at the Visually Impaired Rugby World Championships in Tokyo this November.
Both players compete for the London-based Southern Spartans and will travel to Japan to take part in matches at Tokyo’s Komazawa Olympic Stadium.
Team Captain Hayden Fraser, who began losing his sight at 17, says it changed the way he plays.
Mr Fraser said: “When you lose your sight, you feel like the physical, competitive aspect of your life has been taken away from you.
“Being able to keep playing has given me confidence.”
Hayden Fraser, 29 (Image: Hayden Fraser)
Visually Impaired (VI) Rugby is its own sport/rule set for rugby. In-play kicks aren’t allowed; conversions are still used, as are tries (both scored as in union), but otherwise it’s effectively touch rugby, with a turnover after six touches. Uncontested scrums and line-outs are in the current rules.
Andy Fleet, who will play alongside Mr Fraser, said the opportunity means a great deal to him.
Mr Fleet said: “It just says, you are good enough, you can achieve as much as anyone else.
“It’s hard to put into words.
“It’s very exciting; it’s an honour and a privilege.”
England will face teams from Japan, France, Ireland, and New Zealand in the tournament, with their opening match scheduled for November 6.
Mr Fraser said: “It sounds a bit corny, but you’re not there to let the country, or your team, down.
“Events like this keep the sport growing and getting bigger in the future, as well.”
England’s VI Rugby team remains undefeated in international competition.
