Retired rugby players are being urged to pick up their boots again and take up a version of their beloved sport thanks to a new club set up in Nottingham.
Nottingham Vikings launched their walking rugby in the summer and attract a regular turnout.
Ben Gray, organiser, said: “When you’re running you’re carrying a lot of momentum, so bringing the speed down means we can have players over 70 and everyone can play safely together.”
He added: “There are fewer places where we have a mixture of age ranges, so I think it’s really good from a community perspective because kids and adults tend to play different games and older people can get isolated.”
Walking instead of running reduces the risk of joint injuries and can improve strength in the body.
“I’m loving it, it gives me what I used to get from normal rugby, but without all the injuries.”
Geoff Harrison
Dave Morris, 73, said: “I used to play 15 man rugby years ago and I just like the idea of getting back into something that’s active and competitive.
“I have to try and keep up with the youngsters, although it’s walking it’s very physical, they’re full of energy and speed, but that adds a good mix.”
He added: “I like to try and stay fit, when you get to my age your health starts to deteriorate, so the more running and walking, you can do the better.”
The team was started by the chairman at Corsairs Rugby Club, Nick Parkes.
Walking rugby is a rising sport gaining popularity with older people and those recovering from health injuries.
Although the rules do differ from contact rugby, competitiveness and stamina remain the same to get to ball to the other side and score points.
Sophie Mills said: “It’s a lot more physical than what everybody expects it to be, especially with the change in the ground.
“It’s a lot on your joints, but in a good way because it’s not extensive, some of the guys hurt themselves badly, but it’s not like anything else as to impact.”
Geoff Harrison said: “I was forcibly retired five years ago from real rugby after an injury and luckily my daughter-in-law, Sophie, found walking rugby and said ‘come on let’s have a go’, and it’s brilliant.”
He added: “I’m loving it, it gives me what I used to get from normal rugby, but without all the injuries.”
“I now have to think about where I am on the pitch, but try and find space, so it’s a different element to rugby for me and I’m really enjoying it.”
- Players walk as far as they can with the ball without being tapped by the other team.
- Once tapped, the ball is passed backwards to a team mate.
- If the ball is dropped, the match restarts and the ball is given to the opposing team.
If you want to play in the match of walking rugby message the Nottingham Vikings Walking Rugby on Facebook.
