- Special event sees walking rugby clubs from across Scotland come together to play at the home of Edinburgh Rugby
- Ex Scotland caps Jim Hamilton and Tim Visser played alongside six local teams
- Former Edinburgh and Scotland winger, Tim Visser said: “It’s harder than it looks!”
Scottish Building Society hosted a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for walking rugby teams across Scotland to play alongside Scottish rugby legends.
The seven-team event saw clubs from across Scotland come together to play a tournament celebrating rugby and how walking rugby allows everyone to keep fit regardless of their age or ability.
A team of Edinburgh Rugby Legends competed alongside, Ayr RFC, BATs, Kelso, Midlothian Uncoachables, Midlothian Unpickables and Murrayfield Wanderers in a celebration of rugby.
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, Tim Visser all playing alongside local teams from across Scotland.
Walking Rugby follows a similar format to traditional rugby except there is no sprinting, meaning passing accuracy and positioning are key. It is a more accessible game as tackling is much lesser part of the game and requires greater tactical knowledge. The more social format of the game is growing in popularity because of its accessibility and social nature which is bringing people together from all backgrounds, age and abilities.
The festival was held on the pitches outside of BT Murrayfield, before Edinburgh’s home victory against Zebre.
“I loved that. It was great fun,” said Jim Hamilton, the former Edinburgh Rugby second-row turned podcaster and broadcaster.
“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.
“It’s harder than it looks,” said former Edinburgh Rugby wing Tim Visser. “I was definitely out of breath a couple of times but I enjoyed it.”
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.”
