On Saturday 22^nd May, Bath Ladies Trojans and Walcot Warriors (two mixed ability teams supported by BRF), made the journey from Bath to Yeovil RFC to participate in a momentous ‘double header’ fixture with Walcott Warriors, Men’s Mixed Ability Team playing against Yeovil Men’s Mixed Ability Team and Bath Ladies Trojans vs Yeovil Women’s Mixed Ability team, to create a ‘world first fixture’ in the rugby world.  

 This event, in partnership with Yeovil RFC brought together rugby players of ‘mixed ability’ from across the South-West region, for a full afternoon or sport - showcasing the true spirit of rugby within our region.

There was a real buzz at the event, with players from all walks of life being given the opportunity to actively participate in a sport that they previously had participation access to.

 

Dan Hine, BRF Delivery lead & Walcot Warriors Coach and Player said, “It was an honour and a privilege to be involved in Saturday’s fixtures, we arranged a coach to transport the players to Yeovil, giving them the ‘real deal’ feeling of being involved in a rugby team. The excitement, delight and honour on all of our players faces was absolutely incredible to see. We’re all looking forward to future mixed ability fixtures already.’

 

More information on Mixed Ability Rugby

Mixed Ability rugby focuses on what a player can do and not what they can’t do. It aims to make rugby as inclusive and accessible as possible for everyone, regardless of behavioural, emotional, mental, learning or physical disabilities.

The teams from Yeovil and Bath include players with multiple physical disabilities, as well as mental health and learning challenges, with the opportunity to play alongside players from our men’s and women’s team who can provide support, facilitate the game and maintain the flow of the game. By identifying ‘contact’ and ‘touch’ players the game is able to be full contact for those that want to participate in this way and for those that aren’t ready or prefer not to become touch players.     

With this fun and inclusive way of playing rugby, there is no pressure on players to know the rules or have any knowledge of the game, this is learnt together, and players are supported by others on the team. Every player is valued for what they bring to the team. This is rugby for rugby’s sake and rugby for fun, with an emphasis placed on building friendships, getting active and having fun.

• BLT Training takes place on Thursday evenings at Lambridge Training ground between 6-7pm.
• Walcot Warriors train on Wednesday evenings – Walcot RFC between 7-8pm.

 If you’d like to find out more about our mixed ability training sessions for BLT’s (Bath Ladies Trojans) or Walcot Warriors, please get in touch with [email protected]