Australian Deaf Rugby

Australian Deaf Rugby was founded in Sydney in 2001 with a clear purpose: to create a national representative platform for deaf and hard-of-hearing rugby players across Australia.
Since its inception, ADR has operated as a volunteer-led national program built on commitment, community and performance standards. What began as a small representative initiative has grown into a structured national pathway supporting both men’s and women’s teams competing internationally. ADR is a member of Deaf Sports Australia and participates in the Australian Deaf Games and the Oceania Deaf Games, held every four years. These competitions form an important part of the national development pathway and community connection.
At an international level, ADR is a founding member of World Deaf Rugby. Australia hosted the inaugural Deaf Rugby World Cup in Sydney in 2018 — a landmark moment for the sport globally and a reflection of Australia’s leadership within the deaf rugby community.
Today, ADR continues to strengthen participation across the country while preparing athletes to represent Australia with distinction on the world stage.
Mission & Purpose
Australian Deaf Rugby exists to create opportunity, foster pride and pursue performance excellence through the game of rugby.
Opportunity
Opportunity means clear and accessible pathways — from school-aged participation through to state-based development programs and national selection. ADR is building structured programs for both men and women, creating sustainable pathways that allow athletes across Australia to progress with purpose.
Pride
Pride comes from belonging to something larger than oneself. Rugby fosters teamwork, leadership, discipline and resilience. Through shared goals and national representation, athletes develop confidence, identity and a deep sense of connection — to their teammates, their community and their country.
Performance
Performance defines our standards. ADR aligns community participation with elite preparation, striving for competitive excellence on the international stage while maintaining integrity, inclusivity and respect at every level of the program.
Our purpose is to ensure that deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes have the opportunity to wear the green and gold, compete with distinction, and contribute to a strong and unified national rugby community.
Governance
Australian Deaf Rugby Union Sports Incorporated is a registered Australian charity and volunteer-led not-for-profit organisation. ADR formalised its structure in 2023 as an incorporated association in New South Wales and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).
The organisation is governed by a volunteer committee committed to integrity, transparency and long-term program sustainability. ADR works collaboratively with Deaf Sports Australia and broader rugby stakeholders to ensure strong governance and strategic growth.
ADR is proud to have the Hon. John Howard OM AC SSI as Patron and Mr Laurie Fisher as Ambassador, reflecting the national significance and credibility of the program.
Leadership
Dave Kearsey
President
Dave has been a central figure in Australian Deaf Rugby for more than a decade, captaining the national men’s team and later serving as Head Coach on international tours to Argentina and South Africa. A lifelong rugby player and multiple senior premiership winner, he brings deep competitive experience and leadership to the organisation. Elected President in 2025, Dave is a passionate advocate for inclusive rugby pathways and believes strongly in the power of the game to build opportunity, pride and community for deaf and hard-of-hearing Australians.
Wade Atherton
Vice President & Treasurer
Wade first represented Australian Deaf Rugby in 2011 and has been a dedicated member of the national program for over a decade, competing in numerous domestic and international tournaments. A Newcastle-based player, he brings both on-field experience and long-standing commitment to the organisation. As Vice President, Wade is focused on strengthening pathways and ensuring rugby union remains welcoming, accessible and high-performing for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes across Australia.
Jack Cale
Secretary
Jack was elected Secretary of Australian Deaf Rugby in 2025, bringing strong governance capability and leadership to the organisation. A practising lawyer, he contributes valuable expertise in compliance, structure and strategic oversight to support ADR’s continued growth and professionalism. Jack represented Australia at the 2023 Deaf Rugby World Cup tour to Argentina, serving as Vice Captain
Adrian Priem
Committee member
Adrian is a highly respected Auslan interpreter with long-standing involvement in Australian Deaf Rugby. After many years supporting the organisation in various capacities, he recently stepped into a formal committee role. With deep ties to the Australian Deaf community, Adrian plays a critical role in ensuring clear communication, cultural integrity and athlete support across the program. He has acted as interpreter on national tours, assisted in event coordination and provided consistent operational support to players and staff.
Will Arnott
Committee member
Will has been involved with Australian Deaf Rugby since 2016, combining his medical career with a strong commitment to inclusive sport and communication. A Rural Generalist Physician based in regional Western Australia, he has supported ADR on national tours and international campaigns as Manager, Coach and Team Doctor. As Men’s Team Manager, Will is focused on building a professional, high-performance environment grounded in accountability, wellbeing and team culture.
Nick Marlor
Committee Member
Nick represented Australian Deaf Rugby from 2004 until his retirement in 2018. A product of Armidale, NSW, Nick has served on the ADR committee since 2014 and previously held the position of President, guiding the organisation through a significant period of development. Internationally, he served as Vice Chairman of World Deaf Rugby from 2016 to 2019, reflecting his standing within the global deaf rugby community.
Mick Conroy
Deaf Liason Officer
Mick has been a foundational figure in Australian Deaf Rugby since its inception in 2001. A former Australian Deaf Rugby representative with involvement in 13 international tours during his distinguished playing career. Mick served as President of Australian Deaf Rugby from 2009 to 2019, guiding the organisation through a decade of growth and consolidation. He remains a committed committee member and continues to support international campaigns, including assisting with the Deaf Rugby World Cup Barbarians program.