Sport
Walking rugby is a game for all ages and abilities
WALKING RUGBY has taken off throughout Wales in the last 12 months and is benefitting participants in more ways than one.
The participants – male and female of all ages and abilities including one man who lost his sight 13 years ago – talk of clear benefits to their physical health and crucially, their mental health through being involved in the groups.
The number of Walking Rugby groups in Wales grew organically from two in December 2018 to 16 just twelve months later and new groups are starting up all the time.
A range of organisations from rugby clubs to charities, Health Boards and third sector bodies are seeing the benefit of the inclusive rugby format and engaging more than 300 participants on a weekly basis.
The Aneurin Bevan Mental Health unit has worked with the Dragons Community team to set up a team of their own, training weekly at Rodney Parade.
Kevin Hale, Community Support Worker for the Aneurin Bevan Health Board Forensic Psychiatry Service, who set up the Dragons NHS Walking Rugby team said, “From a mental health point of view it’s been priceless, the social benefits, in particular, are tremendous. Many of the players were very shy at the start and quite withdrawn but confidence levels and communication skills have grown massively and they have told us Walking Rugby has helped them in other areas of their lives.
“It started off as a means to get some of our service users active and also to have some social time afterwards to discuss any issues they’re having. It’s gone from strength to strength and we’ve opened up the opportunity so that anyone can join us at Rodney Parade on a Tuesday afternoon.
Christian Hyde now plays for the Dragons NHS team despite having lost his sight through diabetes.
“I played rugby from the age of 8 to 26. After losing my sight, I had to stop playing – and refereeing. You really miss being part of a rugby environment so being back involved in the game is huge for me and something I never thought I’d do.
“I’m already involved with the visually impaired rugby at Cardiff Blues but being a Dragons supporter, I’m thrilled to be able to train at Rodney Parade and to be involved in matches again like the recent festival. To have ten teams turn up shows the enjoyment we’re all having.”
Anne Jackson plays for Pontyclun Walking Rugby. She said “I’m the only woman at the club at the moment and we could do with more. It really is for everyone. It’s wonderful. It keeps you active – I’ve got fitter since playing Walking Rugby. We train twice a week on a Monday evening and Wednesday morning. We laugh most of the time, we all get on very well.”
Former Wales full-back and Cross Keys coach Morgan Stoddart coaches the Cambrian Walking Rugby group in the Rhondda. He said, “We regularly get 15 or 16 players at our twice-weekly training sessions, we had 12 teams at recent Walking Rugby festivals in Treorchy and Cambrian so it’s gaining popularity all the time.
“Quite a few of the players played rugby in their youth and others haven’t played much sport at all throughout their lives. One lady, Frances Jones, is a regular player and still going strong at 84!
“They enjoy the exercise and also the friendship and camaraderie they gain from it. I enjoy it too, it’s a real change from competitive league rugby as it’s so open to male and female players of all ages and abilities.”
While the format is fully inclusive to all ages, genders and abilities, its main appeal is to Wales’ older and socially isolated population. With more than 877 000 people over 60 in Wales (just under 30% of the population), and that figure set to rise to over one million by 2030*, social isolation and mental health issues are a real issue.
The Welsh Government Strategy for Older People in Wales (2013-2023): Living Longer, Ageing Well, states that loneliness is a real health risk – ‘the same as smoking and twice that of obesity.. that staying physically active protects mental and physical health and that older people say that if they are able to participate in social and leisure activities, they are more likely to say they feel well.’
Based on this evidence, it is no surprise that some GPs are now referring patients to Walking Rugby for the physical and social benefits it brings.
Greg Woods, WRU Enterprise Manager said: “Anyone can play Walking Rugby, whether you’re a lapsed rugby player or new to the game. It’s a social, enjoyable activity with obvious physical and mental health benefits. There is clearly a growing demand for more Walking Rugby opportunities around Wales and we are working with the current groups and a wide range of other partners to not only cater for that demand but provide support to the volunteers running the clubs and work with others to set up new outlets.”
WRU Community Director Geraint John added: “It’s exciting to see the growth of Walking Rugby and to think of its future benefits to the health and well-being of the people of Wales – both the current or recent rugby-playing population and those who could join the rugby family through the Walking Rugby format”.
If you want to start a walking rugby club, get in touch for advice and support participation@wru.wales
WELSH rugby fans have something extra to cheer about this year, as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) launches its 2025 Autumn Nations Series ticket sales with exclusive discounts for clubs, students, and young supporters.
In a first for the Union, tickets purchased through WRU Member Clubs will benefit from a £5 discount across all categories for every match in the series. The move is aimed at strengthening grassroots engagement and rewarding those who support their local clubs.
The senior men’s side will face a blockbuster line-up at Principality Stadium this November, taking on Argentina, Japan, New Zealand, and reigning world champions South Africa in what promises to be an unforgettable month of Test rugby.
WRU CEO Abi Tierney said the initiative is about keeping international rugby accessible and supporting the clubs at the heart of Welsh communities.
Tickets went on sale today (April 15) for debenture holders and premium members. From May 20, WRU Member Clubs will be able to offer tickets to their communities at the new discounted rates. Public sale will follow shortly after.
“It’s incredibly important that international rugby in Wales remains accessible to a wide audience,” said Tierney.
“We want to encourage fans to purchase tickets from their clubs. Clubs are the beating heart of Welsh rugby, and rewarding early purchasers with a discount just made sense.
“We’re also excited to introduce student pricing for the first time, after a successful trial last year. Alongside our existing 50% concession for under-18s, students will now also benefit from half-price tickets — even on the discounted club prices.”
The series kicks off against Argentina on Sunday, November 9 — Los Pumas’ 13th visit to the Welsh capital — followed by Japan on Saturday, November 15, in their first Cardiff clash since 2016.
Wales then take on the All Blacks on Saturday, November 22, before concluding the series with a heavyweight showdown against South Africa on Saturday, November 29.
Hospitality packages for all matches are also available from £270 + VAT via WRU.WALES/VIP, while general tickets can be purchased from WRU.WALES/TICKETS.
Autumn Nations Series 2025 – Fixtures and Prices
WALES v ARGENTINA
3:10pm, Sunday 9 November, Principality Stadium
Priority sale:
- CAT A: £40 / £20 concession
- CAT B: £30 / £15 concession
- CAT C: £20 / £10 concession
- AFZ: £20 / £10 concession
Public sale: - CAT A: £45 / £22.50 concession
- CAT B: £35 / £17.50 concession
- CAT C: £25 / £12.50 concession
- AFZ: £25 / £12.50 concession
WALES v JAPAN
5:40pm, Saturday 15 November, Principality Stadium
Priority sale:
- CAT A: £40 / £20 concession
- CAT B: £30 / £15 concession
- CAT C: £20 / £10 concession
- AFZ: £20 / £10 concession
Public sale: - CAT A: £45 / £22.50 concession
- CAT B: £35 / £17.50 concession
- CAT C: £25 / £12.50 concession
- AFZ: £25 / £12.50 concession
WALES v NEW ZEALAND
3:10pm, Saturday 22 November, Principality Stadium
Priority sale:
- CAT A: £100 / £50 concession
- CAT B: £75 / £37.50 concession
- CAT C: £55 / £27.50 concession
- AFZ: £55 / £27.50 concession
Public sale: - CAT A: £105 / £52.50 concession
- CAT B: £80 / £40 concession
- CAT C: £60 / £30 concession
- AFZ: £60 / £30 concession
WALES v SOUTH AFRICA
3:10pm, Saturday 29 November, Principality Stadium
Priority sale:
- CAT A: £85 / £42.50 concession
- CAT B: £65 / £32.50 concession
- CAT C: £45 / £22.50 concession
- AFZ: £45 / £22.50 concession
Public sale: - CAT A: £90 / £45 concession
- CAT B: £70 / £35 concession
- CAT C: £50 / £25 concession
- AFZ: £50 / £25 concession
Anyone who has sailed with a yacht crew will know just how bonding that experience can be.
From the moment the boat is launched, the crew hauls away as one cohesive body, resulting in one of the strongest team ethics imaginable.
But if you’re female, then a degree of ‘gender division’ may rear its dampening head, quashing your confidence, your ability and your downright enjoyment of being at sea.
But now, thanks to the foresight of local vet Charlotte Hamilton and her iconic pink boat, ladies of all ages and all sailing abilities are being introduced to the joys of sailing whilst supporting two of the UK’s foremost breast cancer charities – Breast Cancer Now and Metup UK.
Two years ago Charlotte lost one of her closest friends to breast cancer, following a ten-year battle after she was diagnosed with the disease when she was just 23. In 2022, Charlotte’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer; thankfully has made a complete recovery.
“Because of what I’ve witnessed, with my mother and with Connie, who was my best friend from college, breast cancer is something that’s very close to me,” Charlotte told The Pembrokeshire Herald from her home in Neyland.
“Connie was only 23 when she was diagnosed, but by then, the cancer had gone to her liver as they initially thought it was hormonal. She fought it for ten years and always wanted to visit Pembrokeshire, but sadly she died two weeks before she was due to come and visit.”
As a result, the pink boat is being sailed in memory of Connie, while the women who are learning to sail her are called ‘The Pink Puffins’.
Charlotte, who is a vet with the Fenton Vets practise in Haverfordwest, was given the boat some 18 months ago by her husband, Lloyd.
“Lloyd is a keen sailor who regularly races on the Cleddau, but I’d never really taken part,” she explains. “So the idea was for me to start building my sailing confidence. Last summer I took the boat out with two other women and we enjoyed it so much it got us thinking about starting to race. If the men can do it, so can we.”
The boat is an Achilles 24 cruise-racer, capable of reaching decent speeds and covering good distances.
“She’s capable of crossing the Atlantic, although The Pink Puffins are perfectly content to stick with the Cleddau for the time being,” laughed Charlotte.
“Since launching her a few weeks ago, we now have around 40 women who are starting to sail her,. We train every Sunday at Neyland and we took part in our very first race last Wednesday.
“Ok, we didn’t win, but being able to take part was fantastic and that’s the whole purpose of The Pink Puffins. It’s about having fun, and the women taking part can do as much or as little as they like. A lot of women have never set foot on a sailing boat before, and because it tends to be such a male-orientated thing, the thought of learning to sail can be a bit intimidating. So if somebody wants to come out with us just to watch, that’s perfectly fine. And if they want to get involved with sailing her a little later on, then that’s great.”
The interest that is already being shown and the rise in numbers means that additional racing sessions will be introduced later this season on Sundays.
Everyone attending the training sessions and the races is asked to make a donation which will be shared between Breast Cancer Now and Metup UK, however individuals can give as much or as little as they choose. If anyone is interested in finding out more about The Pink Puffins can email Charlotte on sailpinkpuffins@hotmail.com
SUNDERLAND 0 – 1 SWANSEA CITY
SWANSEA CITY’S resurgence under interim boss Alan Sheehan continued on Saturday (Apr 12) as a second-half goal from Ben Cabango secured a well-earned away win against play-off-bound Sunderland.
Despite Sunderland having already confirmed their place in the Championship play-offs, the Black Cats were eager to secure a top-four finish – which would guarantee a home tie in the second leg of the semi-finals. Swansea, on the other hand, came into the match in good form, having won their previous two fixtures and all but secured mid-table safety.
It was a balanced opening 45 minutes, with both teams creating chances. Sunderland had the ball in the net through Wilson Isidor, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Swansea’s Lewis O’Brien tested the home keeper on a couple of occasions, and Tommy Watson had a decent opportunity for the hosts, only to be denied by the legs of Swans’ goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux.
The breakthrough came just before the hour mark. A free-kick from Eom Ji-sung was met by Harry Darling, whose header crashed off the crossbar. Cabango reacted first, smashing the rebound into the roof of the net to give Swansea a deserved lead.
Sunderland pushed for an equaliser in the final half hour, with Eliezer Mayenda and Trai Hume both going close. A late penalty shout was waved away by the referee, and despite the hosts’ late pressure, Swansea held firm to claim all three points.
The result keeps Sunderland fourth in the table, 12 points ahead of Bristol City with four games remaining. Swansea move up to 12th – closer to the play-off spots than the relegation zone.
What the managers said:
Sunderland head coach, Regis Le Bris, admitted frustration: “It was a frustrating day. We didn’t create enough clear chances and struggled to find the right rhythm. Credit to Swansea – they were organised and made it difficult for us.”
Swansea City interim boss, Alan Sheehan, praised his players’ resilience: “It’s never easy playing three times in a week, but we started really positively and probably should’ve been ahead earlier. Second half, we had to dig deep and defend our box – and we did that brilliantly.”
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