England Deaf Rugby opened their season with a hard a fought 15-13 victory over University of Sussex at East Grinstead, in preparation for internationals against Wales and Scotland in the new year.

Several new players were introduced to the squad in the win over University of Sussex. The students provided fierce competition and the result was in doubt right up to the final whistle.

Two tries from Truter Bothma, the Old Whitgiftian No 8, and a penalty and conversion by Richmond second row Kris Mannering helped the Deaf kick off their 2008-09 fixtures with a win.

Fourteen of the squad will feature in the 'Rest of the World' Deaf XV squad play Wales Deaf on November 23 at Pontypridd (12 noon), and England Deaf's further fixtures this season are against Wales on February 15, 2009 and Scotland on March 21.

Although the Deaf game is growing across the country many are still unaware of the eligibility criteria.