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After only five training sessions, the Taff's Well RFC walking rugby team took part in a three-way event at Sardis Road, Pontypridd and came away with two wins against Pontypridd and Pontyclun but that really isn't the point. The point is that with the Facebook group at around eighty members and with half of them having turned up to at least one training session - walking rugby is here to stay. The game caters for both men and women with mixed training sessions, games and festivals as the concept really starts to take hold in Wales. At present, there are only ten clubs or organisations offering walking rugby across the Principality but that has happened in such a small space of time and more are already on their way.

It originated in England and was adopted here over the bridge to address loneliness, physical disabilities and mental health problems with the over 50's but it is now opening up to all ages as the tight space encourages quick passing and totally inclusiveness. As with women's rugby, it still has its detractors as ex-players struggle with the concept of 'dumbing down' the physical part of the game but the joy of playing and the high pace in which it's played at means that everyone who has tried it - has returned. The game runs on a touch-rugby basis with no scrums or lineouts and a six 'tackle' format which sees the ball turned over if you don't score; players are not required to ground the ball when scoring a la American Football and the high tempo means that the side with the ball constantly has to move it and look to make space.

Organiser Dave Beese says 'It's a great way to get fit, make new friends and be as competitive as you want without endangering anyone. You don't have to have any previous playing experience and we're having up to 25 players ranging from 10-70 yrs of age at training sessions with new faces at every one so far. As we get to grips with the basics, we will look to play all the other teams in Wales as well enter the various festivals which are being organised by the WRU'. The Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board are backing the concept with money available for teams to start up in that area and it is hoped that many more clubs will be watching closely as the game starts to bed in solid roots.

If you want to give it a try, pop to Taff's Well on a Monday evening with a pair of trainers and you will be warmly received and coached in the basics of the game. You can also learn more about walking rugby at Taff's Well RFC by following this link: http://bit.ly/2JdaScK