Over the past year, the Auld Greys have had to experience the same on off, stop start can we can’t we issues as everyone else, but, in between the stop starts we have been able to play our version of the game every Wednesday afternoon.

We now have over 40 players “on the books” ranging in age from their late 50s through to our two oldest who are 80. We have many players who have never played rugby before, some who last played in 1970 something and the others whose sport it was.

During lockdown and restarts, we have had some notable achievements including two of our players reaching 80, one of whom Christine, makes her the oldest female rugby player on planet earth (or so we think) and the other, Ian, the oldest in the north of England. The BBC put a piece together and can be found on the news pages and searching Ian Cunningham, and very good it is to.

On the coaching front, we have had Zoom coaching sessions with Dan Vickers (Saracens) and input from Garry Holmes (Kendal) which has helped us keep what we do fresh and importantly FUN.

In the Autumn of 2020, we had visits from Fylde and Barrow Raiders to take advice and counsel in setting up and running a WR activity. Both these clubs have set up community foundations of which WR plays a part and in the last month we have gone along to Fylde and Barrow to take part in their respective sessions which has helped to build links for future events.

As the squad grows and bonds, we realise that some players have challenging home situations. Within the group we have been able to support and encourage others and it is this encouragement and support that has proved to be a vital asset in growing this activity within the club.

Walking rugby has proven to be a great initiative by the club and if you ae over 55, and want to have therapeutic challenging FUN of a Wednesday afternoon, please do pop along. No experience necessary, full training will be given, immediate start.