The NHS Aneurin Bevan Board, in partnership with Dragons Rugby, set up a walking rugby programme for mental health patients to improve their well-being.
Before the coronavirus pandemic hit, a weekly meet took place Rodney Parade in Newport.
Kevin Hale, Community Support Worker for the Aneurin Bevan Health Board Forensic Psychiatry Service, organised the partnership 18 months ago. The treatment has helped many of his patients.
“It was set up through our NHS Health Board as treatment for our mental health patients,” Hale said.
“When some of our patients started the programme they were shy and easily distracted, but as time went on it helped their confidence grow and we saw an improvement in their mental health.
“Walking rugby has that sense of belonging. It helps with weight management and loss, especially if patients are on medication. Physical exercise can help to improve hand-eye co-ordination skills.
“We had a player who was partially sighted and he did quite well. He reaped the benefits that were involved and developed a sense of purpose.
“As the programme was a success, we opened it up to anybody who wanted to try walking rugby.”
Players take part at a walking rugby festival at Rodney Parade
When some of our patients started the programme they were shy and easily distracted, but as time went on it helped their confidence grow and we saw an improvement in their mental health
Walking rugby is a fast-growing version of rugby union. There are no tackles, scrums, rucks or mauls. The rules are an adapted version of touch rugby to allow all abilities to play.
Running, and passing above shoulder high is prohibited. Players must pass the ball after three seconds to keep the game moving. The aim of the game is to score tries by crossing the opponent’s try line with no kicking involved.
Walking rugby is suitable for those over 50 who are looking for exercise and a social activity whether they have previous experience or not.
In recent years the numbers playing the game in Wales have risen. Pontyclun Walking Rugby group was one of the first to set up in Wales. Less than two years on, there are now around 20 active groups.
Despite lockdown putting a temporary pause on all community rugby activities in Wales, many of the groups have continued to be a social lifeline for members.
Pontyclun coordinator Julius Roszkowski said, “At the moment we are staying in touch with each other via an active what’s app group, and we organise a weekly quiz on the same time and day as our usual training session to keep that as our Walking Rugby slot.
“I also make an effort to keep in contact with those who don’t make it onto the quiz – current players and those who have stopped playing for whatever reason. That’s what Welsh rugby is all about isn’t it – keeping people engaged – you don’t leave a family.”
Players get a feel for walking rugby in 2020
Roszkowski believes the popularity of the inclusive format will continue to rocket in the next few years.
“As you get older and particularly when you retire from work, your social circle shrinks so it’s very important to get out and meet people. Exercise in itself is great for physical and mental well-being but we also have a lot of fun and banter, both on the field and off it in our social time.
“Our local NHS actually gave us a grant to help start our Walking Rugby group due to its positive impact on mental and physical health – of older men in particular. There is a lot of loneliness and depression amongst older men – one of our participants told me he doesn’t talk to anyone else during the week other than our group members and the till operators at Tesco. Women often experience similar issues, especially as they get older and many of them relish the chance to be part of a rugby team having never had the chance.
“Walking Rugby is certainly for all ages and abilities. JPR Williams comes training with us and we also have a 91 year old who is new to rugby! You don’t need to be too fit to start off with. It’s suitable for those with disabilities and those returning from injury. Given the clear popularity of the sport and growth so far, I can see the number of teams doubling in the not too distant future. There are things we can do to help the sport, for example the WRU is now working on a specific Walking Rugby coaching course as we don’t need to worry about aspects like line-outs and scrums. We are certainly on the right road.”
Mike Sage, Community Manager of Dragons Rugby, added: “Walking rugby has become a very popular activity as it provides a friendly environment to play rugby and socialise with people who thought their rugby days were behind them. It has been an inspiring development in rugby and provides a very important physical and mental well-being outlet for so many people.”
Several WRU Walking Rugby festivals have now been held in Wales and although the target audience for walking rugby is the older generation, all fitness levels, ages, genders and physical limitations are considered.
It has been an inspiring development in rugby and provides a very important physical and mental well-being outlet for so many people
Teri Knight, who helped created a club at Taffs Well RFC, said people are starting to talk more since joining. She said: “Our health board recommended it to help with physical and mental health. Instead of waiting a while for a GP appointment, people come to us and they open up. I heard about walking rugby in a meeting. It was the walking rugby festival at Principality Stadium that pushed me to get our club involved after hearing how much fun people had and how much they enjoyed it.
“Since getting involved I have seen people from all walks of life join us from an amputee, to a man carrying oxygen. We have an 84-year-old woman playing who until last year had never touched a rugby ball or had any interest in rugby. The sport is growing from strength to strength and we have had lots of fun. Once people join, they are gaining a family for life.”
Walking rugby appeals to people of all ages
As Wales goes in and out of lockdown, mental health is now more important than ever with sport finding safe ways for people to return.
Lloyd Norman, from Cardiff Barbarians walking rugby club for the over-50s, said: “There are challenges we’ve faced with the pandemic. When we’ve been able to train, we’ve had to be as strict as possible to ensure people are not getting infected. We’ve had to stop training for a periods of time which has had a knock-on effect.
“When we are able to play, we ensure each player shows no symptoms. We take temperatures and disinfect all equipment. Numbers are looking good for when we can start getting together again. It is a wonderful thing to be involved in and I feel fortunate to take part as it gives me something to look forward to after work.”
Norman added, “Walking Rugby is very easy to take part in. Although our club tries to appeal to rugby players of the past, we do also encourage younger people to join in.”
Sage added: “Many people thought they would never play rugby let alone represent the Dragons or play in national stadiums like Principality Stadium.
“But by being part of a walking rugby team they have achieved those accolades.”
CLICK HERE to watch WRU Entreprise Manager Greg Woods interview Julius Roszkowski from Pontyclun Walking Rugby on the Coaches’ Corner section of the WRU Game Locker.
You will also find more videos with coaches from many aspects of Welsh community rugby.
