Until 10.30am this morning I had no idea walking rugby existed. By 11.30am the players of Torfaen Swifts walking rugby team had shown me what a brilliant sport it is and invited me to take part in a future session.

Watch the Facebook Live video to meet some of the players and find out more about walking rugby.

Without stating the obvious it is simply rugby played with a key rule being you must walk (and there are no scrums or line outs etc).  This opens the game up to everyone. There is no contact, a two-handed touch stops you and after a dropped ball or five touches- the other team restarts play. Al, one of the club’s organisers, explained that it brings back people to the game who thought they would never play again- as well as the many first-time players whose only involvement in rugby had been watching it on the telly during the Six Nations.

Jane told me that last year her family were so proud when she played in a tournament at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and in one match she lined up against J.P.R Williams.

So whatever your size, experience, age or fitness level you can enjoy an hour of sport every week with a friendly bunch of people who love rugby. They have had players in their 70s turn up for a ‘walk-out’.

Cost and how to join?

A one-hour session is a bargain at £2.50. They play every Saturday from 10.30am on the 4G pitch at Cwmbran Stadium. Scroll down under the video to find the club’s social media accounts. Drop them a line and get involved.

You can book your space by calling 01633 627 100 or use the Torfaen Leisure Trust’s app.

Torfaen Swifts walking rugby team

The club is active on social media and shares updates on their Facebook and Twitter account. Give them a follow or like to keep up-to-date with their sessions

Photo credit- Thanks to Torfaen Swifts for permission to use this photo