Exciting news of first ever Mixed Ability Rugby World tournament
Support from far and wide has greeted the news of the first ever Mixed Ability Rugby World tournament.
The competition will see players with learning or physical impairments playing alongside non-disabled players in the same full-contact game, and was pioneered in England by Bradford’s Bumble Bees RFU team.
The competition will be held at the Bradford & Bingley Rugby Club from the 17 to 21 August, prior to the official Rugby World Cup 2015 in September.
Over 400 players, and delegates from 10 nations, have already confirmed their attendance at the disability-friendly event.
West Yorkshire has become the English hub of mixed ability sport thanks to a partnership of education and rugby, with tutors, alongside the RFU and existing disabled players, recruiting new clubs to mixed ability rugby.
England rugby growth development manager Alex Teasdale said:
“The Mixed Ability Rugby Model illustrates how working with partners like IMAS and the WEA, we as a collective, can change preconceptions about disabilities offering truly inclusive provision and rugby for all.”
In conjunction with the Mixed Ability Tournament there will be a conference and education day where players, coaches and managers will share experiences of involving disabled players in all aspects of the game.
