New England Deaf Chair Seeks International Coaches
Gloria Mills has been appointed Chair of the England Deaf Rugby Union (EDRU), replacing Gina Laquaniello who helped take deaf rugby from strength to strength.
One of Gloria’s first tasks is to help find a head coach and assistant coach to prepare the international men’s England Deaf squad and lead them on their South Africa tour, currently postponed from May due to the pandemic but which is eagerly anticipated.
The team, set up in 2003, has a range of hearing levels, from profoundly deaf to hard of hearing. In 2019 they beat Wales Deaf 22-6 and in 2017 they beat New Zealand Deaf 3-0.
Says Gloria, who was one of the founder women’s players: “I look forward to supporting the continued growth of our EDRU family and our collective work with our members of making rugby an inclusive sport with no barriers. Equally, I look forward to supporting all our volunteers, and importantly our players in our passion for rugby.”
The Union is seeking two qualified volunteer coaches for the men’s squad, England Deaf scrum half Danny Rowland having been appointed the women’s head coach last year. There will be a wide remit including: planning the playing schedule for international and community games in liaison with the executive committee; training, tour and match day plans and schedules; and selection in line with policy.
Gloria is a tremendous advocate for deaf rugby. She explains: “As a deaf woman, mother and rugby player, I’ve been proud to fly the flag for England and raise awareness of the importance of inclusive and accessible sports for disabled people.
Gloria is a tremendous advocate for deaf rugby. She explains: “As a deaf woman, mother and rugby player, I’ve been proud to fly the flag for England and raise awareness of the importance of inclusive and accessible sports for disabled people.
“Growing up, I witnessed and shared many years of my parents encountering the difficulties associated with having disabilities, not only personally, but also the barriers that society posed.
“Now I’m a parent of four children. Three of my kids have autism, and two are profoundly deaf. We have a rare condition in our family known as stapes gusher syndrome, and also mondini syndrome which affects hearing. Through genetic testing, I learned that I also have the syndrome and it has resulted in a loss of 50 decibels in both of my ears.
“My own experiences, and my family’s, led me to become passionate about disabled people being included and supported in society. I became a support worker for Sense, helping other people with disabilities, including deafblindness and complex communication needs. Working for Sense I also got to learn about the fantastic work they do around accessible and inclusive sports activities.
“I’ve played sports since my early teens – netball predominantly, but then I decided I’d give rugby a go and I’ve never looked back. I’ve been playing rugby now for 12 years, and been a proud member of the England Deaf Women’s squad.
“Rugby has been an important part of my life, and has given me skills that I’ve been able to transfer into daily life. Playing team sports keeps me fit and alert, provides me with lifelong friends who are all passionate about disability inclusion in sport.
“Rugby is great for teamwork, discipline, respect and above all enjoyment. Winning is great, but taking part and being part of the sporting family is the main element for me. Having a hearing impairment means we listen with our eyes, and communication is paramount. We adapt our play to our disability and use our disabilities as our strength and advantage.
“Sports encourages trust and provides sustainable and genuine friendships. Being part of team is an honour and privilege, giving me an unprecedented feeling of pride. It gives you memories and stories, laughter and lifelong lessons.”
For more details in coaching roles contact Richard Austin at Secretary@rfudeaf.com
