ROMSEY Rugby Club has launched walking sessions to better engage with the wider community and get people of any age or fitness to play the game.

The first walking rugby session, on Sunday, March 26, saw more than a dozen players get their boots on to play a competitive game at a slower pace.

Romsey MP Caroline Nokes visited the club at Ganger Farm to mark the pilot session, with no other organisation offering walking rugby in the area.

READ MORE: Romsey Rugby Club finally opens clubhouse at Ganger Farm

Club director Peter Jones, 60, said: “Part of my role as director is not just to promote the squads but to think about the club as part of the community. We’re forging a new identity and want Romsonians to think of it as their club.

“People can get involved no matter what age even whole families. It’s funny because you see the space in front of you and you think you can sprint but then the consciousness kicks in and you realise you’re not allowed. You can see people’s cogs turning. It’s like the sporting version of a silent disco.

“The biggest crime is to break into a jog, otherwise its just like touch rugby. The whole purpose is to have a laugh and enable everyone to play.

“We’re trying to get as many people playing as possible for now and then we can think about competitive fixtures for those who are interested. I’m encouraging the senior guys to use it as practice during rehabilitation so they can still play.

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“Once people can no longer play at a certain level they lose interest. But with walking rugby there’s still that competitive element as well as the fitness and mental health benefits that people come for.

“It’s far more taxing than you think it should be because you’re walking at high speed and your mind is racing too. It does get your blood pulsing.”

Caroline Nokes said: "It was a brilliant opportunity to see the measures Romsey Rugby Club is taking to be more inclusive and encourage people back into sport.

"It was great to meet the junior teams as well as the girls team, and then watch a bit of walking rugby. While I would be more of a natural netball thrower than a rugby player it was clearly a lot of fun and great exercise.

"The new facilities at Ganger Farm have enabled training to continue whatever the weather, and on Sunday morning it was really busy with rugby and hockey matches and training going on."

While the club gauges interest, sessions are free on Sundays 11am to midday and no booking is required. Moving forward, the committee hopes to introduce competitive walking rugby teams as well as pay-per-play and social membership pricing.

For more information contact Peter Jones on directorofrugby@romseyrugby.club or visit the club's social media channels.