Getting Started With Walking Rugby

Never played rugby before, or it’s been years since you last picked up a ball? Walking Rugby is built to be approachable for both — here’s exactly what to expect before your first session.

What to wear

Comfortable sports clothing and appropriate footwear for the surface you’ll be playing on — trainers are usually fine for indoor or 3G surfaces, while astro boots may be recommended for outdoor artificial pitches. Full rugby kit and boots generally aren’t required, especially for your first taster session. Check with your specific club beforehand if you’re unsure.

What actually happens in a first session

Most Walking Rugby sessions follow a similar shape:

A warm-up, usually gentle and inclusive of all fitness levels
A walkthrough of the basic rules — no prior experience assumed, coaches expect complete beginners
Simple drills to practise passing and the two-handed touch
Small-sided games putting it all together

Sessions typically run about an hour, and most clubs are happy for you to simply turn up and watch the first time if you’d rather ease in gently.

What happens after your first session?

If you enjoy your first taster, most clubs make it easy to keep coming back — typically a simple pay-as-you-go drop-in fee with no long-term commitment required. Many players find their skills and confidence build quickly over the first few weeks as the walking pace and two-handed touch become second nature. It’s also worth asking your session organiser about any local festivals or friendly matches against other Walking Rugby clubs, which many groups take part in throughout the year as a fun, low-pressure way to play against new opposition.

Do I need any rugby experience?

No. Walking Rugby sessions are specifically designed to welcome complete beginners alongside lapsed players — coaches expect a mixed-experience group and structure sessions accordingly.

Cost

Most sessions charge a small drop-in fee, commonly in the £3–£8 range, with no membership required to try it out. Some clubs ask for a small monthly social membership instead — check with your local session for their specific arrangement.

Is it safe if I have a health condition or injury history?

Walking Rugby’s non-contact, no-running format significantly reduces injury risk compared to full-contact rugby, and many players use it specifically as a route back into activity after injury or during recovery. As with starting any new physical activity, it’s worth checking with a doctor first if you have specific health concerns.

Ready to try it?

The best way to know if Walking Rugby is for you is simply to turn up to a session — most clubs welcome first-timers to watch or join in without any commitment. Find Walking Rugby Near You · Learn the full rules · Read about the benefits

FAQ

Can I just turn up, or do I need to book

This depends on the individual club — some sessions are genuinely drop-in with no need to contact anyone in advance, while others prefer new players to message ahead so the organiser knows to expect you and can introduce you to the group when you arrive. Check your chosen club’s listing on our directory for their specific arrangement before heading down for the first time.

What if I don’t know anyone at the session?

Walking Rugby clubs are generally very welcoming to newcomers, and most organisers make a point of introducing new players to the group as soon as they arrive. Many players specifically mention how friendly and low-pressure their first session felt, which is a big part of why the sport has built such a strong community reputation across the country.

Is there a minimum fitness level required?

No — sessions are deliberately designed to be accessible at whatever pace and fitness level you’re starting from, and coaches are used to working with a wide range of abilities within the same session. You can go at your own pace, take breaks when you need to, and build up gradually as you get more comfortable with the format.

How long before I feel confident playing?

Most newcomers report feeling genuinely comfortable with the basics — positioning, passing, and the two-handed touch — within their first two or three sessions. Because the pace is slower than full-contact rugby, there’s naturally more time to think through decisions, which tends to accelerate how quickly new players settle in compared to jumping straight into a full-speed game.

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Last updated: August 2026 — This guide draws on guidance from national governing bodies where available, established club practices from across our directory, and real feedback from the walking sports community. Walking Sports Hub has been connecting players for over 5 years, with 3,500+ sessions and clubs listed across 8 walking sports. Clubs and players are welcome to submit updates or corrections. Learn more about Walking Sports Hub

Walking Rugby – Getting Started

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