SHOALHAVEN Rugby Club front rower Chris Coulthart will line up with the inaugural Australian Deaf rugby team tomorrow to take on the arch enemy New Zealand.
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The Aussies will play their first test against the All Blacks at TG Milner Field at Eastwood kicking off at 11.30.
Chris is excited about the prospect of representing his country
"It is the first time an Australian Deaf team has been selected, so it will be a special occasion," he said.
"It's a big thrill - it is something that I never believed would happen."
Following the match the sides will be off to the big Bledisloe test match.
Living up to the Australian Deaf Rugby motto - Equal Through Rugby - Chris has been an integral part of the Shoalhaven first grade team for more than a decade and in that time he has racked up more than 250 grade games for Shoals of which 217 have been in the top grade.
Chris is confident the Australian team will go well.
"The All Blacks will be tough, they have been together for a number of years and will be well drilled and very committed," he said.
"We have a good side and I think we will go well."
The second test will be staged at Waratah Oval on September 8.
And in between that there is a game for a Deaf Invitation XV on September 4.
