Rugby for All: Uniting Players of Every Ability in One Team Spirit

Bath Mixed Ability Rugby is a club that welcomes everyone, no matter their ability or experience. The club was formed last year when two mixed ability teams, Walcott Warriors and Stothert & Pitt, decided to join forces. Now, players of all backgrounds and abilities train together at a rugby ground on Bristol Road in Bath. To celebrate the club and its unique approach, a free photographic exhibition is being held at Bath Central Library until 27 September. The exhibition features images by photographer Jon Taylor, who wanted to capture the 'spirit of the club'—showing players training in all kinds of weather, supporting each other, and learning together.

One of the club's most dedicated members is Jude Watson, a 24-year-old who is autistic and has a learning disability. Jude never misses a training session and is always seen with his close friend Jamie, who also plays for the club. Jude says, 'I really like playing rugby with my friend Jamie. I do lots of running which makes me feel good and I can catch the ball even when it's moving fast. The best part is when we hold arms in a circle at the end of training and do lots of cheering. ' For Jude, rugby is not just about the sport, but also about friendship and feeling included.

The club is also a place for former rugby players who can no longer play regular games due to injuries. Alex Peters is one such player. He played rugby at school, university, and for club teams, but a serious shoulder injury ended his competitive playing days. Now, he enjoys being part of Bath Mixed Ability Rugby, where he has found a new sense of belonging. Alex says, 'It's just a phenomenal environment where you have the most kind of unlikely friendships forming which are just beautiful to see. What's surprised me, personally, is seeing some of the development of the guys who wouldn't want to lie on the ground, for example, or they might have been afraid of trying to catch a ball. To see the developments for those individuals has been fantastic. It's just one of the beautiful things about rugby in its purest sense—that everyone's equal on the pitch having a wonderful time together. '

Training sessions go ahead even in the wettest weather, and the club's coach, Dave Copeland, says every session is full of laughter and growth. 'Every training session involves someone doing something you would never have imagined them doing when they first joined the club. Every training session involves incredible laughter and humour—and every session you get to see players developing as rugby players, as friends of each other and as individuals. It is a humbling experience. ' The club's story is a reminder that sport can bring people together, help them grow, and create lasting friendships, no matter their background or ability.