Thatcham Rugby Club’s Rich Browne shines as England Deaf Rugby smash Wales in Broadstreet Cup

Thatcham’s Rich Browne enjoyed another memorable weekend, as he started in England Deaf Rugby’s clash with Wales.

Browne played 55 minutes before being substituted and put in a great performance.

England dominated the affair, running out 66-0 winners on Sunday afternoon.

A physical encounter between two highly passionate teams, England followed in the footsteps of their Six Nations countrymen by beating the Welsh away from home.

The match was the first of two in the 2025 Broadstreet Cup.

Sunday’s match was held at Newbridge RFC in Newport, while England’s home leg will be held at Blackheath F.C. in south-east London in April.

Browne will have done his selection hopes no harm following another excellent showing.

Last month, he represented England against a non-hearing impaired Jamaica side at Grasshoppers Rugby Club just outside Hounslow.

That game saw them lose narrowly, 19-11, but Browne performed well enough to be selected for the Wales game a few weeks later.

He was originally on the bench when the team selection was announced, but learned later in the week that he would start the clash in Newport.

Browne also toured South Africa with the side last year, and can always be seen donning his blue and red knee straps to represent Thatcham Rugby Club at the international level.