This has all been made possible following grants from The National Lottery Awards For All Community Fund and Tesco Bags of Help COVID-19 Communities Fund.

Walking Rugby is a simplified version of rugby, suitable for all ages, abilities and genders. Sessions will have an emphasis on socialising and having fun, while it is the perfect introduction to our great sport.

It is a competitive passing game, ideal for ex-players, injured and rehabilitating current players and those without any experience.

Chinnor RFC Thame Head of Community, Matt Goode said: “We are really looking forward to the first Walking Rugby session at the Club on Friday, September 18. This is a great opportunity for people to lace their boots up again and to be active without having to do any running. It’s also a fantastic chance to catch up with some old friends, meet new people, get back to holding a ball again and reliving some of old memories. However, it’s also for people of all ages who have never played rugby before and it’s a great way to keep fit.”

Government and Club Guidelines will be followed at all times.

The Clubhouse will be open for toilet use only, with a one-way system in place.

Players should bring their own water bottles, use hand sanitiser before and after training and maintain a two-metre distance as best as possible. They should also read the attached documentation before attending the Club and, if possible, print out and complete the registration form to bring with them to the first session.

Walking Rugby
What you need to know

Walking Rugby is a competitive passing game played with a rugby ball suitable for ex-players, injured players, non-players of all ages, abilities and gender.
But there is no running at any time, no tackling and no kicking!

Object of the game: To score tries by touching or crossing the opponents' try-line with the ball. The ball can be carried forwards any distance, but must be passed backwards.

Instead of a tackle: Defenders stop attackers with a two-handed touch to the waist or below. Attackers must then stop and, within a pace, pass the ball without delay (they may retreat to the point of touch if necessary). All defenders must allow the pass and must retreat behind the point of touch before taking further part in the game.

Turnovers & Penalties: A dropped ball, a pass that goes to floor, or a forward pass results in a turnover (free pass to opposition). Running at any time and offside should be penalised.

Penalty: Defenders retreat five metres; attackers tap, and pass or go.

Number of players: More than six-a-side can use uncontested two-man scrums to restart the game after a turnover. Third player on each side acts as 'scrum half'. More than seven-a-side use rolling subs. Pitch size depends on playing numbers but should be wider than long (sports hall is ideal in winter).

Game: Four quarters of five minutes minimum each.