The Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation’s inclusivity was celebrated at the RNIB’s See Differently Awards last week.

The RNIB See Differently Awards exist to celebrate and recognise the people and organisations who are dedicating their time, passion and skills to make a real difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people.

This year an unprecedented number of nominations were submitted for the National awards, but the Cardiff Rugby VI side were shortlisted as a National Finalist in the Team of the Year category.

Before the Cardiff VI Rugby Team was established in 2019, there was no rugby team for people with sight loss anywhere in Wales.

Gareth Davies, a team member, explains: “It’s quite a lonely place living with sight loss and so to become part of a team and play rugby is a huge thing, a real boost to our lives – both on and off the pitch”

Training on the Cardiff Arms Park pitch, they’ve competed in matches against the likes of Worcester Warriors and Harlequins at the club’s inclusivity festivals and continue to grow from strength to strength.

VocalEyes were crowned the winner on an inspirational evening in London, but Cardiff Rugby Community Foundation and Cardiff VI Rugby was given Special Acknowledgement by RNIB on the night, with a special video message from Gareth Thomas.

Community Foundation director, Nadine Griffiths, remained extremely proud of the achievement in reaching the shortlist: “We can be very proud to have reached the final three in this category at such a prestigious award ceremony along with some really inspirational people and organisations.

“It’s a huge acknowledgment of the commitment and dedication that’s been put in to ensure the Cardiff Rugby VI team is a success.

“Without the unbelievably hardworking members of the community foundation team, huge support of our sponsors, as well as the hard work that goes on behind the scene to raise necessary funds, this wouldn’t have been possible.

“We can also be really excited about what’s to come in the future, for both the Community Foundation and the VI team, which are going from strength to strength. There’s some fantastic initiatives and programmes being ran across the region to ensure a jersey for all.

“The Foundation has worked hard to ensure all, no matter ability, age, gender, or disabilities have an opportunity to get involved in the game.

“You only have to look at the passion and commitment of our VI players, and the way they represent the club is a real credit. They’ve played a huge role in helping to grow the team, to give visually impaired people a chance to socialise while being physically active, as well as being a programme that is educating and including the wider community throughout Wales.

“A huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists on the evening. It was fantastic evening to celebrate the work done to ensure equal opportunities for blind and partially sighted people across the country and it was a privilege to attend.”

For more information on how to join the Community Foundation as sponsors, fund-raisers or join the Cardiff to Paris bike ride in June, please contact emily.murphy@cardiffrugby.wales