Walking Rugby - The Season 2021/22
Walking Rugby at Sarries only started on a regular basis from May 2021, so the end of August 2022 will mean that the section has been going for 16 months.
Walking rugby is a slower, non-contact version of the game, It is aimed at the over-55’s (but open to anyone over 18) and to all genders. It is particularly suited to retired players, those recovering from injury and illness, and those who wish to stay fit and active. It also helps people who experience mental health problems and people with identified and impacting disabilities. It is currently one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
We have people aged between 35 and 76 and third of the 40+ membership are women. The introduction of Walking Rugby at Sarries can certainly be seen as a great success!
Previous rugby experience can be helpful, but is by no means necessary and anyone is welcome to come along and give the game a try. Coaching, guidance and support will be given to all players.
We play on Saturday mornings (9:30am) throughout the year and Wednesday evenings (6:00pm) during the summer (winter day/time tbc).
From April to the end of September other rugby club’s that have Walking Rugby sections hold festivals and we have attended some of these this summer. We came 6th (of 10) at Salisbury, pool winners and semi-finalists at Withycombe, runners up at Crediton and last Saturday we were runners up in the Devon RFU section at the Topsham festival where we received our first piece of silverware. We had also participated at Topsham’s 2021 festival where we were unbeaten in our group, although no final was played against the other group winner’s. We hosted Guildfordians in May where both clubs had two squads (10 people) and a Topsham squad also attended. Old Leamingtonians are visiting us on 22 October, which we are looking forward to and we have been invited to join Withycombe when they host Taffs Well on 7th October.
We went on tour last October under the guise of Topsham (mainly Sarries) and played Guildfordians and Old Reigatians. We believe this may have been the first multi gender team tour. It was a great success both on and off the pitch.
We have strong links with Topsham and several players are members at both club’s. At festivals we often put in a squad each and also a mixed Sarries/Topsham squad, which enables more people to participate. Sucha squad were finalists in the Plate competition at Crediton.
If you are interested in coming along and trying Walking Rugby then please contact Neil at nkl1959@googlemail.com
Neil K Leech
Exeter Saracens RFC Walking Rugby Coach
