Could this be the world's biggest walking rugby festival?
Kingswood rugby club is hosting its sixth walking rugby festival this July.
Kingswood’s walking rugby section launched in May 2017 and ran its first tournament a year later. The Kingswood Titans are now hosting their sixth walking rugby festival on Saturday 13 July. As the popularity of this format of rugby union grows, they believe this could be the largest festival of its kind in the world.
With more than 40 teams of ten registered to play, they will welcome more than 400 players and their supporters to Kingswood in the club’s 70th anniversary year. Teams will travel from across the UK, from Dover to Crediton, and Birmingham to Wales. There will be food stalls and a live band playing in the evening to add to the enjoyment.
Kingswood Titans have been taking part in other walking rugby festivals and tournaments across the south of England, sending teams to play at Salisbury, Richmond, Crediton, Crickhowell, Burgess Hill and Guildfordians. They also continue to develop good relationships with many clubs in South Wales, playing by invitation at their events.
They’ve established strong links with local clubs including Trowbridge, Chippenham, Broad Plain Pioneers and North Bristol RFCs, sharing in mixed training sessions. With a membership of more than 50 playing members and more than 30 regularly at the club’s Wednesday evening sessions, a smaller but no less enthusiastic group is also there to train on Thursday mornings.
Players enjoy the exercise, friendship, and camaraderie as they train and play the simplified version of rugby which is fully inclusive, and suitable for all ages, abilities and genders.
Supportive Friends
Player Mark Cotton said: “Having played hockey for 38 years, walking rugby has allowed me to play a game I’ve always loved to watch, which I thought it wouldn’t be possible. It keeps me active and helps enormously with my mental health which is important for me as I do suffer from depression. I get tremendous support on and off the pitch from great people.”
Wendy Batten, Walking Rugby Secretary, added: “The walking rugby club has become an extended family to me. The support, encouragement and care have been immense at a time when I needed it most. Never in a million years did I imagine, at the young age of 72, I would say, ‘I play walking rugby,’ and be proud and so happy. It's so lovely to feel valued as a key member of our Committee with new lifelong friends.”
Their Director of Walking Rugby, Steve Deery, agreed: “Since starting walking rugby in 2017, Kingswood RFC has become a major part of my life. My wife also plays and it’s great to have a shared interest. I only knew two people in the club when I started and now my friendship group has grown massively to include not only walking rugby players but also members of other sections of the club, which has helped me through some tough times.
“The club fully embraces the ‘walkers’ and I’ve joined the main club committee. The Kingswood ‘One Club’ ethos means that all sections help and support each other. This will be demonstrated at the festival when the whole club gets involved in helping or playing.
"Kingswood Titans will field three teams, and our Seniors and Vets will both have teams. Our junior sections (Kingswood Knights and Athenas), and their parents, along with our partners and families, play key roles in the smooth running of the event. I’m proud to become to be a member of Kingswood RFC, a great community club.”
Regular physical activity is known to improve mental health, quality of life and wellbeing and the social scene combats social isolation. At Kingswood RFC there are playing opportunities for everyone from 18 months to 80+ years.
They are hoping that the festival will help to promote walking rugby to local communities and wider audiences and say: “If you can walk you can play.”
