Tuesday June 28th 2016
Love rugby but think you’re too old to still play the game? Give Walking Touch Rugby a try, which was launched at Dalkeith RFC on Saturday.
A new interpretation of the oval-ball shaped game, Walking Touch Rugby is designed for over-50s to keep active and perfect for all sports enthusiasts – running is not permitted and there is no contact allowed either.
There are no scrums and a try is scored by walking over the try line.
Viv Wallace, Active Midlothian’s Ageing Well Co-ordinator, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to get back out on the rugby pitch again and enjoy playing a new version of the game they love.
“We’ve already had huge success here in Midlothian with the continued growth of Walking Football and now we’re equally excited about what Walking Touch Rugby can achieve.
“The emphasis is on fun, friendships and keeping active – Walking Rugby promises to be a big hit amongst older people here in Midlothian.”
Former Scotland and British and Irish Lions prop Peter Wright backed the kick-off of Walking Touch Rugby and believes it will be hugely popular.
Born and bred in Bonnyrigg, Wright started his rugby career with Lasswade before earning 21 caps for Scotland and he was also being selected for the Lions tour to New Zealand in 1993.
Wright said: “This is a great idea and I’m sure Walking Touch Rugby will prove to be really popular in Midlothian.
“Most important of all, it keeps people involved in the game – regardless of their age.
“Sometimes older people can be put off continuing to play rugby because of the physicality, but this is fun and enables people to use the skillset they’ve already got.
“I’m not 50 yet, but when I do hit that birthday I’ll be expecting an invite to play too – I’m sure it will be really enjoyable.”
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