The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Angus club encourages people to give walking rugby a try
Montrose RC offers classes in slower version of game with no contact and no scrums
A rugby club in Angus is the first in Scotland to offer a new walking variation of the sport.
Montrose Rugby Club is looking for people of all ages and abilities to give walking rugby a try.
Like the current craze for walking football, running isn’t allowed and walking rugby also doesn’t allow any contact.
There are no scrums, no goal posts and players aren’t allowed to hold onto the ball for more than three seconds without passing. A try is scored by walking over the try line.
It is hoped the classes will appeal to people who played the sport when they were younger but stopped playing because it became too physical.
Thomas Lindsay, a modern apprentice at Scottish Rugby who is pioneering the scheme, said it was also perfect for people recovering from injury or who are new to the sport.
He said: “It’s built and designed around participants that are older, less able or injured.
“Rugby is not just for big, strong people. We can change the game slightly to involve everyone and help keep people active. We are looking to get as many people involved as we can.
“It might be that some people played rugby when they were younger but now feel that they are too old to play full-contact rugby. It’s also great for people recovering from injury.”
Walking rugby was introduced by the Warner Leisure Hotels in England last year, which targets the over-50s market, after research among customers uncovered demand for moreactive team sports.
A new set of rules has been drawn up with the help of the former England Captain Martin Corry, and tested out in trials with older guests at the hotels.
The classes are being held weekly on Monday afternoons, from 1pm, at Montrose Rugby Club at Union Park in Whinfeld Road.
“By slowing the game, removing the contact and keeping the fundamentals, we are left with an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for all,” Thomas added.
Montrose Rugby Club’s membership secretary Louise Webster, who took part in yesterday’s session, said: “I would like to play rugby so I came along today because this is slowed down and it’s a lot easier.
“I also have weaknesses in my joints so it’s good for me in terms of conditioning. The club is fully supportive of it.”
Lisa MacPherson, who had a baby six weeks ago, said she attended the session as her way back into fitness.
She said: “It’s something a bit different and a good introduction to the sport. I just thought I’d give it a go.”