Our Programmes School and Community Projects Sport For All Project Rugby Project Rugby What is Project Rugby? Bath Rugby Foundation is delivering the Project Rugby programme, which is designed to introduce the sport of rugby to participants who may have previously felt excluded from the sport. Project Rugby is a joint initiative between Premiership Rugby and England Rugby and aims to increase participation in the game by people from traditionally underrepresented groups. Black Asian & Minority Ethnic People People from Lower Socio-Economic backgrounds (top 30% IMD) Disabled People Since setting up Walcot Warriors, the South West’s first Mixed Ability rugby team, the Foundation has seen a growing demand for more clubs so we have helped to set up a further five; Melksham Stags, Bath Ladies Trojans, Chippenham Cavaliers, Stothert & Pitt and Yeovil Mixed Ability. 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 year, we hosted a successful Mixed Ability Rugby Cup which saw teams travel to Melksham from across the UK to compete in a Mixed Ability Rugby tournament. 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. Visit our Mixed Ability Rugby page to find out more about our teams. Project Rugby events: Women and girls Bath Rugby Foundation recently hosted an exhilarating Round Robin Festival at Trowbridge RFC, uniting girls from years 7, 8, and 9 on Monday, March 25th. Among the spirited participants were students from Clarendon Academy, Selwood Academy, Hayesfield Girls School, and Ralph Allen School. Throughout the event, teams engaged in spirited competition, showcasing their skills and teamwork with over 30 tries scored during the group stages. In the finals, Hayesfield triumphed over Ralph Allen, securing third place, while Clarendon and Selwood battled fiercely for the top spot. With a halftime deadlock of 2-2, the intense competition saw Clarendon emerge victorious after dominating the second half. The tournament was not only a display of remarkable rugby talent but also a testament to the girls' camaraderie and sportsmanship. Special thanks to Harrison and Alec, youth players from Trowbridge RFC, whose excellent refereeing ensured a fair and thrilling tournament for all involved. Who benefits from our Project Rugby programmes? Hear from Rachel, a player in our Mixed Ability Rugby team, Chippenham Cavaliers. Rachel, a dedicated member of Chippenham RFC for four years, initially supported her children from the sidelines before becoming a coach.Being Deaf, Rachel was told that rugby wouldn’t be a sport she would be able to engage in. Rachel’s passion for rugby never wavered, though she was discouraged from playing due to her hearing aids and cochlear implant.When Chippenham RFC introduced a Mixed Ability Rugby Team, Rachel eagerly joined, believing in inclusive opportunities for all. She has since inspired others, particularly women and the D/deaf community, to participate.Rachel’s involvement extends beyond the field; she advocates for inclusivity and empowers her teammates, embodying the true spirit of rugby - a sport for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or identity. Rachel said, "I was advised not to play rugby because of my cochlear implant bit I was determined to find another way. I wasn't going to let my deafness stop me being able to get involved in rugby. To have the opportunity to play rugby has been amazing."We are so lucky to work with people like Rachel. Get involved: Mixed Ability Rugby Our Mixed Ability teams are fully inclusive, welcoming everyone from previous rugby players, to total beginners. Bath Rugby Foundation are working with more clubs year on year to encourage participation in rugby for all. Fancy joining a team? See the details below for how you can attend a training session. To get involved, find out more about our Project Rugby programmes, or volunteer with us, please contact our Community Manager, Alex Randall, at: [email protected] Manage Cookie Preferences