A DEAF rugby player is looking for sponsorship to join a team tour in South Africa.
Taylor Morris, from Worthing, plays for the England Deaf Rugby team and is trying to raise £1,000 to travel and play against South Africa in a three test match series in May.
The 24-year-old, who is studying physiotherapy at the University of Brighton, said he is appealing for funds “because the sport isn’t well funded at the moment as not many people know about it”.
Taylor has raised £310 through his online crowdfunding campaign, and needs a further £690 to reach his £1,000 goal.
He said: “It’s important for me to be able to go on this tour as it’s a chance to represent my country and to be able to spread awareness of deaf rugby worldwide.
“It would mean everything to me to be able to go.
“I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support I have had already and I’m so grateful.”
On his GoFundMe page, Taylor described the trip to South Africa as a “tour of a lifetime”.
Taylor said he has raised £500 himself but needs to achieve his £1,000 crowdfunding goal by the end of February, otherwise he will not be able to go.
He said: “I’ve never been on a rugby tour before, so I’m over the moon that I’ve been invited to go and play against South Africa deaf rugby team.
“Also to play for my country – it’s an amazing feeling.”
Due to a deformity at birth, Taylor has no eardrum in his right ear, but has normal hearing in his left ear.
This means he can play for the England deaf team, which requires players to have lost at least half their hearing to qualify.
Taylor started playing rugby at the age of 16 at Worthing College and has ambitions to play semi-professional rugby once he finishes his studies.
He currently also plays for the University of Brighton first team, and said his tutors have been “amazingly supportive” on his degree course.
He said: “I sit on the right side of the class so I can hear better and if I have any questions or miss anything the lecturers are more than happy to go through it with me.”
To sponsor Taylor, go to www.gofundme.com/f/jwhfj-england-deaf-rugby-tour-to-south-africa.
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