Leicester’s Brett Pruce will take his place on the national stage this weekend when he lines up for England’s deaf rugby union side.
The 37-year-old, who has been profoundly deaf since the age of four, will face Wales at Northampton Saints’ Franklin’s Gardens today.
Pruce, a builder by trade, plays locally for Aylestone St James’ senior men’s side, but the hooker will be jumping up to international level to compete for the Broadstreet Cup, the trophy contested annually by England and Wales’ deaf teams.
Pruce is the most-capped player for the national side, with 15 Tests to his name, having been a key member of the squad since England Deaf’s inception in 2003.
His father, Brett Pruce Snr, is “very proud” of his son’s achievements on the pitch.
Pruce Snr said: “His chest trebles in size when he pulls on the white shirt. It means a huge amount to him.
“It’s fantastic for him to play at a stadium like Franklin’s Gardens, compared to the little grounds they usually play at.
“I just hoped he would love the game. Even when England Deaf was formed in 2003, all he wanted to do was play rugby. We are very proud of him.”
Pruce’s rugby life began at the age of 15, but even as his 38th birthday approaches, he is not about the hang up his boots.
Next year, in conjunction with the Rugby World Cup, Wales will be hosting a tournament for the world’s deaf teams.
There has only been one competition of a similar nature, back in 2002, which was won by Wales.
Sadly, a lack of funding has meant another tournament has never come to fruition.
But Pruce Snr is hoping games like today’s will raise awareness of the plight of deaf sports.
He said: “It’s hard for deaf kids to get to the highest level, so it’s important for them to have players to look up to.
“We’re really hoping to bring about better awareness of rugby for deaf kids.
“The older lads prove that it’s a game deaf kids can play. There’s no special equipment, there are no special rules, we just make sure the referees are extra clear with their hand signals.”
There was a possibility that Pruce Jr would not be available today, but his partner gave birth to his fifth child last weekend, meaning he will be on the pitch and not in the hospital.
Kick-off is at 6pm, straight after Saints’ final and crucial Aviva Premiership match against London Wasps, a decision that should boost crowd numbers.
There were 2,000 spectators at Cardiff Arms Park in January when England conceded the Broadstreet Cup.
Pruce went on off the replacements bench in the 36-3 defeat against Wales.
Rugby: Proud Brett lines up for England in Welsh clash
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