When our children take a keen interest in a sport it should be celebrated and encouraged, and every effort should be made to accommodate their participation, particularly if they have some form of impairment or disability.
No doubt parents everywhere will be delighted to hear then, that World Rugby has brought in a new trial for Rugby Goggles that will allow the visually impaired to participate safely in the game.
News of the trial was announced on World Rugby’s official website, confirming that the eyewear has been developed in order to allow those who need corrective lenses to play, to do so in safety.
Available in one size and to fit anyone, they can be ordered online (link here) and then brought to an optician to be fit with the plastic lenses.
Although only a trial period, this will come as a huge relief to people all over the world, particularly parents whose visually impaired children have been forced to stay off the pitch due to safety fears.
Huge thanks to everyone both within our club and outside of it, who have supported us in our campaign to ensure that...
Posted by Portarlington RFC Mini Rugby on Thursday, January 28, 2016
The news was lauded by Portarlington RFC Mini Rugby club and its players, typically aged five to 11 years, who campaigned long and hard for the introduction of these rugby-specific goggles.
Taking to Facebook to share the great news this week, they wrote: “Huge thanks to everyone both within our club and outside of it, who have supported us in our campaign to ensure that kids with less than perfect vision can play rugby safely.”
“We can now announce with huge pride that the IRB trial is available for players in Ireland, and so as soon as they have their goggles, kids will be permitted to play,” they added.
This is very welcome news, particularly as other sports already allow for these goggles to be worn out on the pitch.
