A new group is bringing a slower, friendlier version of rugby to the Wharfedale area. Join the Wharfedale Wanderers Walking Rugby Group to experience this unique form of the sport.
The men’s walking rugby team, Wharfedale Wanderers Walking Rugby, is designed to give older men a safe, social way to stay active and enjoy the sport, regardless of experience or fitness level.
The game is non-contact and played at a walking pace, with tackles replaced by two-handed touches and no scrums or line-outs, making Wharfedale Wanderers Walking Rugby equally suitable for newcomers and former players.
Robert Burnett, one of the founders of the group, said: “With three mainstream rugby clubs, including Ilkley, along this part of Wharfedale, we were sure plenty of retired rugby players and supporters of the game would be delighted to try this simpler non-contact format.
“In fact, we believe this a first for the area as we understand the nearest other team is York. We have not been disappointed and have had sufficient interest to run regular training sessions and to organise a fixture with our nearest team.
“To reflect the wide area from which we aim to attract players, the team has been called the Wharfedale Wanderers”
Wharfedale Wanderers Walking Rugby
Led by members of the Wharfedale Men’s Shed in Otley, the walking rugby group grew out of conversations about the sport during one of their regular sessions.
Enthusiasm quickly turned into action, leading to outdoor games and a recent fixture against the team in York.
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The group has now moved indoors for the winter and currently meets every Monday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm at Pool Village Hall.
Robert said: “We have now moved our training get togethers in-doors for the winter and are currently meeting at the Village Hall in Pool from 4.30pm to 5.30pm every Monday.
“Anyone who enjoys throwing a ball around can join us, whether they have previously played rugby or not . We are looking to build our numbers as this will give us the possibility to enter the Walking Rugby festivals happening across the North and Midlands, and if things go well, we may even be able to field two teams.”
Participants have already reported the benefits of the game, with one player, Tony, saying: “I am really enjoying part of a team again.”
Another member, Stephen, noted how much he was gaining from the activity, particularly in terms of coordination and staying active.
Walking rugby is rapidly growing in popularity across the country, with Walking Rugby festivals starting to spring up across the North and Midlands.
The format is particularly designed for older or less mobile players, helping them stay fit, active and connected.
Anyone interested in joining the Wharfedale Wanderers or learning more about walking rugby can contact Robert on 07547 543171.
Source: https://www.ilkleygazette.co.uk/news/25821090.new-mens-walking-rugby-group-wharfedale-area/
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