We recently teamed up with Edinburgh Rugby to hold a walking rugby tournament, where walking rugby teams across Scotland played alongside Scottish rugby legends.
The seven-team event saw clubs come together to play a tournament celebrating rugby and how walking rugby allows everyone to keep fit regardless of their age or ability.
The Edinburgh Rugby legends team had past players such as Dave Denton, Andrew Easson, James King, Jim Hamilton, Lewis Niven, Conan Sharman, Hugo Southwell, Steven Turnbull and Tim Visser. The squad competed alongside, Ayr RFC, BATs, Kelso, Midlothian Uncoachables, Midlothian Unpickables and Murrayfield Wanderers.
Walking Rugby is a more social format of the game, which is growing in popularity because of its accessibility and social nature bringing people together from all backgrounds, age and abilities.
The festival was held on the pitches outside of Scottish Gas Murrayfield, before Edinburgh’s home victory against Zebre.
“I loved that. It was great fun,” said Jim Hamilton, the former Edinburgh Rugby second-row.
“We don’t do it enough and everyone says the same thing. I joked with Hugo Southwell that we’ll do it again in ten years’ time and it’s one of those that you want to be out with your mates catching up and enjoying a laugh together.”
Walking rugby has found an audience of former and new to rugby players as a way to come together and keep fit, especially for older fans.
Paul Denton, CEO, Scottish Building Society said: “Our sponsorship with Edinburgh Rugby is far more than the professional players on the pitch. It’s a great platform to work together on amazing community programs, like this Walking Rugby tournament, which makes a real difference to those who take part.
“Walking rugby is so important in supporting people to keep active and helping to get them out the house, whilst making a few friends along the way. It was great to meet the teams, and there was a real spirit of rugby, teamwork and friendship, which was brilliant to see.
“Scottish Building Society was proud to be a part of it. Walking rugby isn’t just about the actual game, it’s about embracing inclusivity, being sociable and building connections through a shared love of the sport.”
