Walking Rugby Sets The Pace In Bristol

Now, just one year on and with over 40 registered players, Walking Rugby in Bristol goes from strength to strength as it prepares to make its mark at the Aviva Premiership Final at Twickenham on May 27^th.

“It is crazy to think that only a year ago we were throwing the ball around for the first time on a LinkAge taster day, and now we are off to the Premiership final,” said programme manager, Kris Tavender.

“I’m not sure myself or my silver-haired conspirators Mike, Bob and Bernie would have envisaged a first year like that we have had.”

With an exhibition at Bristol Rugby’s final home game of the Premiership season against Newcastle Falcons; a first competitive appearance at Salisbury Rugby Club’s regional festival on May 13^th; and the imminent launch of the inaugural Bristol Walking Rugby Satellite Hub - in partnership with Kingswood Rugby Club - the sport’s future is very bright indeed.

Walking Rugby is aimed at over 55’s, with many of its regular participants above retirement age but still looking for meaningful and aspirational physical and social activity across the week. But beneath this lies a much more tender and sensitive need, where older members of society are challenged by social isolation, loneliness and a loss of physical mobility.

“We have a wide range of participants at every session, with our oldest players at 78 and still buzzing for it on a weekly basis,” Tavender continues.

“But we also have individuals with heavy weights on their shoulders. We have held one-on-one support sessions for players of ours with mental health difficulties, we have all felt the hurt of players who have lost life-long husbands and wives to age and illness, but through all of the adversity some of our members face, it is the sheer joy and zest for life that each brings that truly lights up these sessions.”

Kick-started by funding from Bristol Sport Foundation, Premiership Rugby and Comic Relief, Walking Rugby in Bristol has developed at a tremendous rate, working with men and women over 55, and collaborating on a wider level with other emerging Walking Rugby Clubs across the country.

“Walking rugby changed my life - providing a way to remain actively involved in the beautiful game,” said programme participant, Bernard Price.

“It's an opportunity that Bristol Rugby Community Foundation and Linkage has provided to invite over 55’s, both male and female, to remain involved in the game we all love.”

“It's an opportunity that Bristol Rugby Community Foundation and Linkage has provided to invite over 55’s, both male and female, to remain involved in the game we all love.”

Principle Bristol partner St Monica Trust - part of the LinkAge network - is equally thrilled by the success of the programme.

“We are delighted to be working with Bristol Rugby to deliver Walking Rugby sessions,” said Debbie Wills, Community Development Manager.

“The first six months of this programme have proved extremely popular and it is a pleasure to see so many people – men and women – enjoying the game.  A great way to stay active and make new friends.”

Walking Rugby and Bristol City Community Trust’s Walking Football can both be seen on the pitch during half time of Saturday’s game and are just two of the sports that will be offered, in partnership with Bristol Sport Foundation. From September onwards, basketball and netball enter the Walking Sport fold.

Walking Rugby continues every Monday from 10am-11am, with the new weeknight hub launching at Kingswood Rugby Club on Wednesday, May 24 (6.30-8pm). These sessions will run weekly across the spring and summer.

For more information contact ktavender@bristolrugby.co.uk, or join the Bristol Walking Rugby Club Facebook group.