Countless meetings over Zoom with an all-inclusive plan to get people back into rugby and many revised start dates thanks to Boris, we were ready. Armed with a helpful grant from Sport England for kit and a group of experienced and enthusiastic coaches, we stocked up on sanitiser and headed for the pitch.

We had no idea what to expect at the first session. Having put the word out to retired players and those returning from injury via Facebook we had a few positive responses and a great deal of maybes.

“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! Love playing, love the people, love the fun and above all the physical and mental well-being” John

We kicked off with nine. Three coaches consisting of two first team players and the club President who hadn’t played rugby for 30 years due to a rugby related knee injury, two ex-players, two first teamers who had just finished training and the wife of one of these players who I pulled off the side-lines as moral support for me – a 36-year-old female who has always been surrounded by rugby but never played the game.

“I love that I can play alongside my Hubby 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.” Anna

It was clear from that first session that Walking Rugby was going to be massive! There was so much laughter and fun, but it was the encouragement, teamwork and positivity that really shone through. Everyone left after working up a sweat and a smile. I knew they would be back.

Numbers have increased week on week, testament to the spirit and enthusiasm of the players and the coaches, which hooks people from their first session.

News of the ‘Wath Warriors’ spread through the club bringing in senior and junior team parents, friends of friends from various teams around South Yorkshire and all the maybes began to turn into ‘when can I starts?’

We knew we could bring old players back but what we didn’t expect was the amount of family time that would be generated. Several couples and families all play alongside each other. This is great because it creates much better rivalry on the pitch.

“Walking rugby has given me the opportunity at 64 to be playing rather than just throwing a ball around. The added advantage is being able to play alongside and against my wife knowing she has always wanted to play for years on the side-line, watching me and then our son.” Steve

“Having watched my kids and my husband play rugby for 20 years, I have to be honest. I didn’t get it! Now I can’t wait for the next session and I can join in the rugby conversation.” Jane

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.

“Wow! Totally addicted from the first session. The ball in my hands once again, new boots purchased and raring to go every Saturday. New friends, reunited with ex-players. Life changing! My fitness has improved as well as my mental health.” Kev

The session has started to feed some of our senior teams as people have grown in confidence and ability. It has also given the mums, wives, and girlfriends a chance to move from the side-lines and into the action!

There is also a social side to be had on the other side of lockdown. Teammates meet regularly for a coffee or a pint post session!

There is a massive buzz within Wath RUFC around Walking Rugby, and I would recommend to any club to give it a go!

“The first form of exercise I’ve thoroughly enjoyed since I stopped playing rugby 30 years ago. New friends, inclusion and a chance to get involved in rugby again. Best thing I’ve done in decades.” Robin

If you would like to come down and give walking rugby a go we meet 12.15 at the rugby pitch on Recreation Road every Saturday.

If there are any Walking Rugby teams out there who would be happy for us to join one of their training sessions or organise a friendly game, please get in touch steve.corns@hotmail.co.uk