In Association with the RFU

Summer at Leisure

Leisure rugby is any rugby played outside the traditional XV-a-side game and encourages those over the age of 16 to enjoy playing any variety of formats, from tag to tens. This summer there are more opportunities than ever to play leisure rugby and clubs will benefit from the improved fitness of players pre-season and from hosting leisure events to improve revenue and player recruitment.

Within the Play On and Go Play Campaigns, beach rugby has been a major focus. This year there will be 30 resorts hosting beach rugby, run by rugby clubs, colleges, councils and other local partners with RFU support. The majority will be playing non contact beach tag involving mixed ages and genders.

If you are looking for a more regular activity, touch rugby has more than 12,000 players in England and nine leagues in London alone (visit www.englandtouch.org.uk).

For those itching to play contact rugby, sevens is the answer, with more than 100 club sevens events during the summer. For further information, visit www.rfu.com/leisurerugby or email: leisurerugby@therfu.com.

If you are running any leisure events make sure you email the RFU at the address above.

The RFU provides support for all teams and players involved in Veterans (over 35s) and Golden Oldies (over 50s) rugby and will help to recruit and retain players. Golden Oldies activity is usually played at the beginning of the season (September/October) or at the end of the season (March/April) with friendship and fun the key objectives. There are also regular overseas events.

Veterans (over 35s) rugby is increasingly popular with middle-aged players looking to get involved in the game again after taking time out. A new category of Veteran has emerged recently via the army of mini/junior rugby dads relatively new to the game but supporting and coaching their own youngsters. International events are held throughout Europe and further afield, with details available on the Leisure Rugby website.

The RFU will be at projects during the summer, utilising a fleet of travelling promotional units and various inflatables and will be helped by an army of willing volunteers.