Marlborough Rugby’s Ben Fulton – World Cup winner with Wales

Ben Fulton, in Cordoba, holding the World Cup

Marlborough Rugby’s regular 1st XV back Ben Fulton missed the Papa John’s Cup win on the Common against Chippenham on 01 April.

OK, he had an excuse, a pretty good one actually as he was with the Wales Deaf Rugby team, in Argentina, competing in the World Deaf Rugby Sevens World Cup. And they won. For the third time…….

Marlborough Rugby reported the story thus:

Well, what an Easter weekend this turned out to be for Ben and his fellow teammates, who were thousands of miles away from their families, but it was for an amazing reason. They ended up coming away with the World Cup title for the third time. They had travelled over to Corboda, Argentina, to compete in the Deaf Rugby World Cup.

Wales was drawn against Japan, Fiji, and the Barbarians in Pool A, while Pool B consisted of England, Australia, and South Africa.

After getting through the preliminary games with ease, Ben and his teammates won all three games. Next, they were up against Argentina in the quarterfinals, winning 25 points to 5. Then they were up against England (who were also in the final last time). They saw them off 14 points to 5.

The final involved Australia, where Wales won convincingly 20 points 5. And to really put the cherry on top, the women’s team was also crowned World Champions.

Even though Ben and his fellow teammates proudly represented their country, they had to fund the privilege themselves. Fortunately, Ben’s season sponsor, H’s ice creams and sweets, were able to support him, as were Casa Fajara Boutique House and Hotel, which were also able to help out. A ‘go fund me ‘page was also set up.

Ben’s Marlborough brothers followed his progress through the tournament, greatly helped by CJ (Ben’s wife), who constantly kept them updated with links to try and watch the games.

They say there is no rest for the wicked, even if they are a World Cup winner. Ben will be travelling to Cornwall as part of the team that will be facing St Austell in the second pool game of the Papa Johns Cup Competition. Hopefully any jet lag will be out of his system by then.

Again, very well done to Ben; it is a fantastic achievement, and the club could not be prouder of you.