Arabic version: تشارلي كيل يدعم شقيقه جاك في بطولة العالم لرجبي الصم
According to ABC News, Wallabies back-rower Charlie Cale is proud to support his older brother Jack as he represents Australian Deaf Rugby at the World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship in Tokyo. Charlie presented Australia’s vice-captain with his official team tie in Sydney ahead of the tournament.
The brothers grew up in Sydney’s northern suburbs, where they played backyard rugby with their eldest brother, Sam. Charlie said Jack had also helped him with schoolwork and had always been there for him and others. Jack said the three brothers regularly check in and try to watch one another’s matches.
Jack, who works as a lawyer and has played club rugby for Eastwood and Mosman, was introduced to deaf rugby after an old coach called him about a trial at Hunters Hill in late 2022. He was selected for the Australian Deaf Rugby men’s squad in early 2023 and helped the team reach the final of that year’s World Deaf Rugby Sevens Championship in Córdoba, Argentina. Australia lost the final 20-5 to Wales.
In Tokyo, the Australian men will face England, Japan, Hong Kong China and Italy in pool matches, with the top three teams progressing to the knockout rounds. The women’s side will play Fiji, England, Wales, New Zealand and a combined Barbarians team in a single pool, with every team advancing and the top two receiving direct semifinal places.
Players in World Deaf Rugby tournaments must have an average bilateral hearing loss of at least 40 decibels. Jack said the differing levels of hearing loss within the Australian teams make non-verbal communication important during games. He said Australian Deaf Rugby aims to find deaf and hard-of-hearing rugby players and give them opportunities to play regardless of experience.
Charlie, who has played six Tests for the Wallabies, said he tries not to miss Jack’s matches, including waking during the night to watch him play in Córdoba. Jack’s parents, Sue and Tim, are also set to support him from the sidelines in Tokyo.
