PERSHORE Rugby Club’s pioneering, non-contact Third Age Touch (3AT) section for retired, or limited fitness players, took to the pitch at Piddle Park in their first tournament with an external club.
The Third Age Touch (3AT) team played friendly matches with the Worcester Warriors Foundation inclusion rugby team.
Games were played under slightly adapted rules from touch rugby, devised by Pershore, and with the club’s newly acquired high vis balls.
Some 30 members enjoyed a morning of non-contact 3AT action and fun.
David James, the founder of 3AT at Pershore, said: “Since we started in September 2021, we have steadily attracted more and more players.
“Men and women of a wide range of differing abilities, some who can, and do, run and others who can only walk, some who are completely new to the game and others who are former rugby players with a lot of experience.
“We all enjoy the exercise out in the fresh air together and enjoy a coffee and a chat in the clubhouse afterwards. We all have a lot of fun together.
“The social aspects of 3AT are just as important to us as all the benefits we get from staying active. And now that we have got some opposition to play there is added fun to be had.”
The popularity of 3AT at Pershore means that 21 players now regularly train with the club on Wednesday mornings from 11am and the section has decided to offer an additional training day for any further recruits on Monday’s at 11am.
The first three 3AT tasters at Pershore on a Wednesday or Monday are free after which the cost is £3 per month.
And the touch governing body, the England Touch Association (ETA), will be showcasing third age touch rugby at upcoming civil service events with Maidenhead and Reading other clubs hoping to launch their own 3AT teams.
