Walking Rugby Takes Off at Wath upon Dearne
As lockdowns eased in May, Wath upon Dearne RUFC finally kicked off their planned walking rugby session after zoom meetings and many revised start dates.
Armed with a helpful grant from Sport England for kit and a group of experienced and enthusiastic coaches, they stocked up on hand sanitiser and headed for the pitch with no idea what to expect from their first training session.
Having put the word out via Facebook to retired players and those returning from injury, they were ready. The three coaches were two first team players and the club President who hadn’t played rugby for 30 years due to a knee injury.
Among the walkers were two former players and two first teamers who had just finished training and one of their wives, hauled off the touchline as moral support for a 36-year-old female who had always been surrounded by rugby but had never played.
It was clear from that first session that walking rugby was going to be a success. There was so much laughter and fun, and the encouragement, teamwork and positivity really shone through.
Said Sally Corns who set up and runs the team said: “Everyone left smiling after working up a sweat and I knew they would be back. Numbers have increased week on week, testament to the spirit and enthusiasm of the players and the coaches."
Said one returning former player John Saffery: “Never in a month of Sundays did I think I would play rugby again. Then I saw Sally’s posts. The date kept getting cancelled due to Covid but eventually the day arrived and all I can say is brilliant! I love playing, love the people, love the fun and above all the physical and mental wellbeing.”
Anna West agreed: “I love that I can play alongside my husband and my dad, a proper family affair. Walking rugby has given me the opportunity to challenge myself in a way I never thought I would and it’s the first opportunity I’ve had to play on a team.”
“The benefits of walking rugby go far beyond fitness and helping people recover from injury. It has built confidence in those who lost it playing and those who have never thought they could play. It has even started to feed some of our senior teams as people have grown in confidence and ability as well as giving some mums, wives, and girlfriends a chance to move from the sidelines into the action.
“There is also a social side with teammates meeting regularly for a coffee or a pint after sessions. There is a massive buzz within Wath RUFC around walking rugby, and I would recommend it to any club and if there are teams out there who would be happy for us to join one of their training sessions or organise a friendly game."
