“Nearly 1 in 2 people over 50 want the opportunity to take part in a team-based activity but often feel that the rules weren’t adapted appropriately to them. We’ve adapted the rules of the game to allow all ages and all abilities to take part.”
Matthew Finch
Managing Director
Warner Leisure Hotels
Where did Walking Rugby come from?
Have you heard of ‘walking-football’? Otherwise known as ‘low-impact football’, this twist on the beautiful game is exactly what you’d expect. It was designed to encourage the over 50’s to get into football and to counter social isolation. There are now so many Walking Football Clubs in the UK (over 800) that FIFA released standardised rules governing the sport in 2017.
But of course, we’re in Edinburgh! And here, we’re best known for another field sport. And it’s not one that’s known for its ‘low-impact’ nature.
At Edinburgh Self Storage, we’re proud to be supporting this new initiative, alongside our friends at BATs Rugby and Murray & Currie.
You can find out more about BATs Rugby and the fantastic work they’re already doing to bring new players into rugby in Edinburgh, in this article.
What Is Walking Rugby?
Walking Rugby is a new version of the game that’s been designed specifically for the over 50s. You don’t need to be in perfect health or have a high level of physical fitness to play.
This non-contact version of the sport offers over 50s the chance to pick up rugby, playing under rules that have been adapted to make the game accessible for all ages.
Even at its more restricted pace, Walking Rugby players benefit from a great cardiovascular workout and some of the same endorphin release associated with more strenuous, traditional sports.
What Are The Rules Of Walking Rugby?
Six Nations and Rugby World Cup veteran, Martin Corrie, helped to devise the rules that have encouraged a new age group onto the pitch,
“It’s a walking, non-contact game where you can pass forward and back. The only rules are, you can’t hold the ball for more than three seconds, you can’t walk more than about 5 years and it’s about finding space – which is the essence of rugby. It’s there for men and women of all ages.”
Want to get involved in Walking Rugby in Edinburgh? BATs Rugby 50+ Walking Touch launches on Monday 16 April from 10am till 11am at Raeburn Place. Supported by Murray & Currie and Edinburgh Self Storage. Get in touch with Callum Black for more details or stay up to date by following Edinburgh BATs Rugby on Facebook.
