Winchester RFC launches walking rugby sessions

Winchester Rugby Club has launched walking rugby sessions in a bid to feed into a growing trend.

Walking rugby is described as a fresh take on the sport played at a slower pace and Winchester hosted their first session on Saturday afternoon with a number of people joining in.

There was previously no chance to play walking rugby in the city with nearby Romsey Rugby Club and Locksheath Pumas among the closest to offer the opportunity to play the sport.

Club president Robbie Sanderson said: “It was a gap in what we’re doing here at the club and in terms of bringing it [walking rugby] to Winchester, it was finding a volunteer to organise it.

“I think it gets people out the house. It allows them to work with teams, to meet new people.

“It’s not just about the game, but the social cohesion that goes with it and generally just to enjoy yourselves.”

Questioned on mixing inclusivity with the competitive nature of rugby, Chris Gilbert-Wood, who organised the session, said: “That’s part of what I really need to work hard at to make sure that I’ve got the people for the first time they’ve ever been there or new to the club to make sure I do bring them together. And it’s not all about the games either.”

Following their first session, Winchester RFC are confident they can continue playing walking rugby at Nuns Road.