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WALKING (TOUCH) RUGBY
SESSIONS: Tuesday Mornings, Wednesday Evenings, Sunday Mornings
SESSIONS: Tuesday Mornings, Wednesday Evenings, Sunday Mornings
Walking Rugby Group Update
Walking Rugby Group Update
The Walking Rugby group is currently experiencing a very busy period. Recently, they hosted what has now become their annual Quiz Evening, which was a resounding success. The event brought together family, friends, and members from across the club, including representatives from the Kites, Rhinos, and Brigands, for a fun and enjoyable evening.
A key objective of the group is to promote and expand the game to other local clubs. They have already played a significant role in supporting the development of teams at Thatcham and Kingsclere and are now assisting in the establishment of a new team at Slough RFC. Their first session took place on 1st March, with Paul Alexander attending to provide guidance, rule clarification, and general support. Although the team is still small, it is expected to grow, and the Walking Rugby group looks forward to reconnecting with them soon.
Slough RFC is also expected to take part in the next Walking Rugby Friendly Festival on Saturday, 12th April, where multiple local teams will come together for an enjoyable morning of rugby. The event will serve as an opportunity to strengthen relationships and establish new connections within the community. Representatives from Thatcham, Kingsclere, Newbury, Didcot, and Oxford are expected to attend. Following the success of the first festival, which was well received for its friendly and non-competitive approach, this next gathering promises to be another positive experience.
Additionally, on Friday, 4th April, Richmond RFC’s Walking Rugby group has invited the team to participate in a joint session ahead of Richmond’s National League 1 evening home game against Rams RFC. This event provides another excellent opportunity to showcase Walking Rugby and engage with like-minded players from another club.
With an exciting schedule ahead, the Walking Rugby group continues to grow, strengthen partnerships, and promote the game across the region.
Reading RFC host their first Walking Rugby Festival!
Reading RFC were delighted to be able to host their first walking rugby festival at the club on Saturday, 13th April where we welcomed teams from our near neighbours Thatcham RFC and Kingsclere RFC. Reading had enough participants for us to field two sides and we played six matches during the morning during which there were around forty scores to demonstrate some exciting end to end play. It was a very successful day where everyone involved enjoyed themselves and proceedings were concluded by lunch and medal presentations in the clubhouse. On a sadder note, we did start the festival with a minute’s applause in memory of player Terry Mawby who recently lost his brave battle with cancer.
The WR group would like to thank Berkshire RFU for their generous support of this event and also the 200 Club for providing us with a super gazebo which we were able to use for the first time. Graham Lyke and Mike Richardson provided refereeing expertise, Mike Brooks ensured we kept to time and President Yasmin Miller was on hand to not only provide touchline support and photographs but to present medals to the team captains. We were also fortunate to be joined by ace photographer Richard Angell who captured some stunning images of the day for us. Finally, a huge thank you to our fourteen players for admirably representing the club.
If you'd like to know more about Walking Rugby, please click to view a short video:
Walking Rugby was conceived at Reading Rugby Club in Autumn 2015. Playing guidelines rather than rules were produced, agreed as workable, and duly sent to the RFU for their interest and information.
The first game took place in October 2015, played between senior ex-players and other club members who had never played before.
Since that first game, Walking Rugby has become mainstream with over 200 clubs across the UK having a Walking Rugby group as an integral and growing part of their setup.
Despite running not being allowed, the rugby itself provides an energetic work out with players walking thousands of steps in a session. The contribution to health and fitness is brilliant. Add in the post-session teas, coffees - or something stronger - and you have a great social scene to complement the physical activity. Tempted? Do give Walking Rugby a try!
Sessions are held at the club on Tuesday mornings (10.30-12.00), Wednesday evenings (19.30-20.30) and Sunday mornings (11.00-12.00)
What is Walking (Touch) Rugby?
Walking Rugby provides an opportunity for regular, safe, physical activity in a social environment. There is minimal contact with “tackles” being a two handed touch on the upper body.
Walking Rugby is aimed at men and women over the age of 50 years and is both competitive and fun. Younger people are welcome but need to be aware that a focus on running is not part of the ethos or spirit of Walking Rugby. Any final score may provide some fleeting satisfaction but will probably be forgotten after the game!
What will I get from playing Walking Rugby?
An opportunity to become both physically and mentally fitter, friendship, camaraderie, being part of a team, a new social circle both off the pitch and on and most importantly, fun!
Can women enjoy Walking Rugby too?
Absolutely! As Walking Rugby is very much a social, minimal contact game, played in a mixed team format, it is really about fun, fitness and friendship.
Do I need to have any previous rugby playing experience to play?
No definitely not essential! The game provides a platform for both ex-players and those with little or no previous rugby playing experience. Inexperienced players should quickly learn the fundamentals of the game enabling them to gain confidence in a friendly, supportive environment.
How do I find out more?
To see Walking Rugby in action, visit https://youtu.be/cEXCMDk1EVQ
Alternatively email our Team Administrator, Paul Alexander on paul1956alexander@gmail.com for more details
What do I need to play?
You need enthusiasm and a sense of humour (a must). If you decide that Walking Rugby is for you and you want to continue then a suitable pair of inexpensive boots with moulded plastic studs should be purchased.
Walking Rugby FAQs
Walking Rugby FAQs