Guildfordians News Article

Walking Rugby at Guildfordians


Tuesday 1st Feb 22

Getting More - Giving More - Planning More

Exciting news from our Walking Rugby section!

First let’s talk about Getting More

The Walking Rugby section is delighted to announce two new sponsors. One is Curtis Packaging, a U.K. based organisation with sustainability at its core. The other is the global information technology and services corporation, Hewlett Packard Enterprise. The Hewlett Packard Enterprise sponsorship is one of largest packages ever granted to Guildfordians.

Why are Curtis Packaging and Hewlett Packard Enterprise supporting Guildfordians Walking Rugby? Because both companies recognise Walking Rugby as an accessible and inclusive activity, providing physical and mental health benefits both on and off the field, is a positive force in the community. Both sponsoring companies want Walking Rugby to grow, and both recognise our ability to drive the growth of Walking Rugby in the South-East of England.

Now Giving More
The performance of the Walking Rugby section since the end of lockdown justifies the confidence of our sponsors. Membership of the section has increased by 50% in just six months. The growing experience of the coaching team and the increased numbers has resulted in much improved training and playing sessions.

Several members from Guildfordians have been working closely with Kingswood RFC in Bristol to develop a consistent approach to Walking Rugby as an accepted format of the game and encourage other clubs to launch their own Walking Rugby sections. Ten members of our squad turned out to help Chobham RFC launch their own Walking Rugby section in the Spring and are actively encouraging others to take the plunge. Guildfordians are now seen as the leading Walking Rugby Club in the South-East Region.

The section put on the first post- lockdown Walking Rugby Festival in the South of England and have hosted a touring team from Topsham and local clubs Chobham and Old Reigatians.

And very importantly, Planning More
In all sections of our communities, there is an acknowledged need for enjoyable physical activity, and lively socialisation to promote mental health and wellbeing. Walking Rugby, with its roots firmly in the great Rugby traditions, is uniquely able to deliver these. Walking Rugby is the most inclusive form of the game, and welcomes members regardless of age, gender and athletic ability. Walking Rugby offers benefits to those who are primarily interested in Rugby styled training, those who would like a game of organised Walking “Touch Rugby”, and those who would like to make new friends over a good chat in the bar. Most importantly, it’s fun!

With its important sponsorships in place, Guildfordians Walking Rugby is focused on the growth of the game. Tours and festivals are in planning and we are working to promote the game in the South-East. We ran a referees’ development workshop on 22nd January with 23 referees/aspiring referees from 8 clubs participating in some lively discussion as well as enjoying some time playing. We aim to work with Surrey RFU and others throughout 2022 to develop the game and encourage clubs to start Walking Rugby sections whilst continuing to offer a warm welcome to anyone who wants to join our sessions.

We are confident that Walking Rugby has an important place in the rugby family at Guildfordians RFC and can make a big contribution in our community. Please help us to spread the word by telling friends and family about Walking Rugby, encourage them to give it a go without any commitment – most newcomers are surprised how addictive it becomes. Indeed, why don’t you give it a go? – you don’t need to be an ex rugby player – some of our better players had never seen the oval ball before.

See us in front of the clubhouse at midday on Sundays or contact

Sue Russell
Email walkingrugby@grfc.co.uk
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With thanks to our Club Sponsors

Strutt Building Contractors - Sponsors of Guildfordians Rugby Football Club (GRFC) K2 Moving - Sponsors of Guildfordians Rugby Football Club (GRFC) The Guildford Tup - Sponsors of Guildfordians Rugby Football Club (GRFC) CURTIS Sustainable Packaging - Sponsors of Guildfordians Rugby Football Club (GRFC) - Walking Rugby The Art of Kate - Sponsors of Guildfordians Rugby Football Club (GRFC) Fort Swazz - Sponsors of Guildfordians Rugby Football Club (GRFC)
If you are interested in joining us a sponsor of Guildfordians Rugby Club please get in contact with us - thank you.
 

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