Mixed Ability stars shine at Ashton Gate

Over 70 participants from five different programmes came together for another hugely successful Project Rugby transition event, seeing traditionally underrepresented groups engage in meaningful community rugby activity.

A return fixture from the Foundation’s visit to Worcester in October, the day saw a festival of inclusive rugby activities, as well as representative Mixed Ability Touch Rugby, including on the Ashton Gate turf at half-time of Bears versus Warriors.

“It was incredible to see such a diverse cross-section of the Bristol population out in the Spring sunshine on Saturday,” said programme manager Kris Tavender.

“To see our mixed-ability players, coaches and volunteers alongside our Walking Rugby players, joining in with so much rugby fun was really heart-warming, and to be able to share that with our disability and visually impaired players from Worcester, as well as Warriors community coaches and volunteers was fantastic.”

From six-week engagements to longer term community hubs, Project Rugby seeks to bring new players to the rugby family through ultimately engaging at their local combination rugby clubs.

Community development manager Craig Capel added: “Huge thanks to Ashton Gate and Bristol Bears for allowing this on-pitch opportunity, it really was an excellent display of the inclusive nature of the game we love, in front of 15,00 fans. What a showcase of inclusive rugby.”

For more information on the Foundation’s disability and mixed ability rugby pathways contact Kris Tavender.

Images courtesy of Ian Rice Photography.