England Head to Japan to Defend Blind Rugby World Championship Title

England’s visually impaired rugby team will head to Tokyo this November looking to retain their world title, as the 2026 Blind Rugby World Championships bring together nations helping to grow one of rugby’s most exciting and inclusive adaptations.

Three years after being crowned world champions in 2023, England will return to the international stage on 6–7 November, taking on hosts Japan and Ireland at Komazawa Olympic Park in Tokyo.

The tournament represents another important moment for Visually Impaired Rugby (VI Rugby), a developing form of the game that is opening up opportunities for people living with sight loss.

While England will be determined to bring home another trophy, the Championships are about much more than results on the pitch.

They offer an opportunity to showcase the sport, challenge perceptions and demonstrate that a visual impairment doesn’t have to mean the end of someone’s rugby journey.

What Is Visually Impaired Rugby?

VI Rugby is an adapted version of rugby union designed to allow people with varying degrees of sight loss to enjoy the game in a competitive, physical and inclusive environment.

Played in a seven-a-side format, it retains many of rugby’s familiar elements, including teamwork, communication and physicality, with adaptations to make the game more accessible and improve player safety.

For some, it provides a route back into rugby after losing their sight. For others, it’s their first opportunity to experience the sport.

Despite England’s success on the world stage, VI Rugby remains relatively unknown to much of the wider rugby community.

That’s something those involved are determined to change.

With participation opportunities growing across the UK, the World Championships provide a platform to show clubs, players and supporters what the sport has to offer.

From Grassroots Rugby to World Champions

England’s preparations for Japan have been built around the commitment of players, coaches and volunteers who have dedicated countless hours to developing VI Rugby.

Unlike professional international programmes, the sport relies heavily on charitable funding, commercial partnerships and volunteers.

Players balance their international commitments with jobs, family life and other responsibilities, making the opportunity to represent England on the world stage particularly significant.

Throughout 2026, the squad has attended national training camps ahead of the Championships.

Their final preparations will take place in Macclesfield on 17–18 October, before the team departs for Japan on 1 November.

And while England arrive as defending champions, there is no shortage of determination to retain the title.

“We’re Not Going There Just to Make Up the Numbers”

England VI Rugby Head Coach Jake Walker believes the tournament represents an opportunity to achieve something special both on and off the pitch.

“Representing your country is something most rugby players dream about, and for our squad, pulling on an England shirt means an incredible amount.”

Walker made clear that England’s ambitions extend beyond simply taking part.

“We’re travelling to Japan as reigning world champions, and we’re not going there just to make up the numbers. We want to defend our title, and we’ve been working incredibly hard to give ourselves the best possible chance of doing that, but there’s a much bigger picture here.”

That bigger picture is about introducing VI Rugby to people who may never have considered rugby as an option.

Walker added:

“There are thousands of people living with sight loss who probably don’t even know VI Rugby exists, let alone that they could one day have the opportunity to represent their country.”

For Walker, changing perceptions is just as important as the result in Tokyo.

“We want people to see that this is proper competitive rugby, played by people who happen to have a visual impairment. The commitment, the physicality and the pride in representing England are exactly the same as in any other form of the game.”

“If our journey encourages someone to pick up a rugby ball, or a rugby club to explore introducing VI Rugby, then we’re creating something that will last far beyond the World Championships.”

Building a Future for Blind Rugby

The Championships will also provide an opportunity for nations to work together on the future of the sport.

Alongside the competitive fixtures, international training sessions will take place on 4–5 November, bringing players and officials together to share experiences and develop relationships.

France will also participate in the event, showcasing an alternative adaptation of blind rugby through an exhibition match.

Discussions are scheduled around the potential establishment of an International Blind Rugby Union (IBRU), which could become an important step towards greater international cooperation, consistent development pathways and more regular competition.

Back in the UK, plans are already taking shape for the Unseen Sevens, a new domestic competition series scheduled for 2027.

The aim is to provide more opportunities for visually impaired players to compete regularly, while introducing the game to new audiences and encouraging more people to get involved.

For a developing sport, creating those opportunities at grassroots level will be every bit as important as success on the international stage.

Through Our Eyes: Following England’s Journey

Supporters will also have the opportunity to follow England’s World Championship campaign through Through Our Eyes, a video diary documenting the squad’s experiences in Japan.

The series will offer a behind-the-scenes look at life as an international visually impaired rugby player, covering preparations, travel, matchdays and the moments away from the pitch.

By sharing the stories of the people behind the England shirts, VI Rugby hopes to reach new audiences, attract further support and encourage more people living with sight loss to explore the sport.

Coverage will be shared through VI Rugby’s digital channels throughout the tour.

2026 Blind Rugby World Championships – Fixtures

Venue: Komazawa Olympic Park, Ball Game Field No. 2, Tokyo, Japan.

Friday 6 November – International Test Matches

Time	Fixture
14:00	Japan v England
14:30	England v Ireland
15:00	Japan v Ireland

Saturday 7 November – Finals Day

Time	Event
10:15	Opening ceremony
11:00	Japan v England
11:30	England v Ireland
12:00	Japan v Ireland
13:00	Try Blind Rugby experience
13:50	Japanese cultural performance
14:10	French-rules exhibition match
15:00	World Championship Final
15:30	Closing ceremony

All times are local to Japan (JST) and subject to change.

More Than a World Championship

For England, the immediate focus is on defending the world title they won in 2023.

But whatever happens in Tokyo, the potential impact of this tournament stretches far beyond the final whistle.

Every person who discovers VI Rugby, every club that considers introducing an inclusive rugby opportunity and every new player who picks up a ball represents another step forward for the sport.

At Fill Your Boots, we’re passionate about helping more people experience rugby, regardless of their background, ability or circumstances.

England’s journey is another reminder that rugby really can be a game for everyone.

We wish Jake Walker, the entire England VI Rugby squad and everyone involved the very best of luck at the Blind Rugby World Championships 2026 in Japan.