What is Mixed Ability? 

It’s just rugby! 

It is not a disability sport, players are not classified by physical, intellectual or mental disabilities or barriers. It is a sport open to anyone who wants to play regular full-contact rugby. If you happen to have some form of disability or barrier, but want to play rugby on a regular basis then Mixed Ability is perfect for you. 

The same goes, if you have no disability or barrier. Games are played in true rugby spirit.

Why does mixed ability work so well in rugby? Well, rugby has always been the sport of all sorts – all shapes and sizes, and all abilities. So, there is a spot for the strong, slow, small and fast players on the same team and all are valued for what they can do. 

Mixed Ability rugby just takes the same format as any other rugby team in a club. If you feel you don’t have enough experience, might not be good enough, are new to the game or just want to get back to playing for a bit of regular training and team bonding then a Mixed Ability team is for you.

To truly experience rugby, Mixed Ability must play the same format as any other rugby team. The only law change is uncontested scrums which you often see in social or veteran matches too. 

If you want to see rugby played for rugby’s sake, then we would encourage you to go look at a game of Mixed Ability rugby in your area and see what it’s all about. Even better, grab a pair of boots and experience it for yourself on the pitch!

See Mixed Ability rugby in action...

How does Bath Rugby Foundation support Mixed Ability rugby?

Bath Rugby Foundation have been running our Project Rugby programme for six years, and in this time has overseen the set up of four Mixed Ability rugby clubs: Walcot Warriors, Bath Ladies Trojans, Yeovil Mixed Ability and Melksham Stags.  

This has led to our teams being recognised as; the first Mixed Ability team in the South West, the first female Mixed Ability team in the UK, the first male and female Mixed Ability at one club in the UK and the first Mixed Ability team in Wiltshire.  

This journey has been supported by specialised coaches who have been able to break down session information and support clubs to make their facilities more accessible to players from all backgrounds. 

In addition to the coaching, Bath Rugby Foundation supports each team with travel costs, fixtures and incentives to join. 

Through building the confidence of young people in engagement sessions in special schools, we then encourage them to develop their skills further at one of our Mixed Ability rugby clubs before promoting independence opportunities such as parties, social environments and life skill challenges. 

For more information, and how to get involved, please email [email protected].