Hastings Valley Vikings stalwart Dave Kearsey along with Pirates duo Doug Piper and Lisa Vogel played their part in spreading the word in the aim of growing the sport.

A record number of Australian-based participants joined them in the one-day tournament at the Box Hill Rugby Union Football Club.

"The hardest thing is getting the message out there about deaf rugby and bringing the players together," Kearsey said.

"A lot aren't aware they're eligible to play and I was one of those; I'm only half deaf and there must be a heap of other players who are in the same boat."

Kearsey coached the men's side while Vogel had the clipboard in hand for the women's side while Piper was the strapper.

Experience levels proved no challenge as some players who hadn't previously picked up a rugby ball impressed.

"Two new guys for us had never touched a rugby ball before the weekend and they really shone," Kearsey said.

"One of them was a soccer player and he had good tackling technique which usually takes kids a while to learn; he had no fear.

"They're now a strong chance of being selected for the Fiji tour in November."

Another trial day is pencilled in for either Sydney or the Gold Coast in July or August where players can stake their claim for potential Australian selection.

"We have toured New Zealand, Samoa, Japan, England and Wales and would like an international competition," Kearsey said.

"But we need weekends like this to identify new players to build as strong as possible teams for our test matches."

Vogel impressed so much with the women's team that she appears likely to be their long-term coach.

"It was brilliant to have Lisa involved because she only came down at the last minute," Kearsey said.

"She handled things professionally and Dougy is the guru of strapping as the Pirates and Vikings know.

"He's very good at what he does and is a crucial part of the rugby union fabric."

Kearsey was hopeful the sport would continue to grow.

"It's about bringing everyone including the families together; it's not just about the players," he said.

"It's everyone associated with them - the kids, the partners ... everyone."

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