Rugby is played in many different formats – appealing to a wide demographic. The walking version of the game started in 2015 and is now played in more than 200 clubs across the UK. Walking Rugby is a non-contact form of the game played by mixed age/gender teams of people who simply like throwing an oval ball around.
Surrey clubs have been (and continue to be) involved in the development of the game.
Walking Rugby acts as a catalyst attracting both ex-players back into playing rugby and newcomers into playing rugby for the first time, due to its health and fitness benefits and a strong sense of fun and enjoyment.
Is It For You ? It’s for everyone !
Although originally targetted at the over-50s, you can be any age, any gender and you do not require prior rugby knowledge. We have juniors and over-80s playing – often in the same team.
Most clubs offer newcomers free trial sessions before you need to commit to joining – so why not give it a go ?
Find Your Local Club
You can find your local club(s) by going to the “Walking Rugby Clubs” page at https://walkingrugby.co.uk/.
If you are part of a Surrey club that is already playing Walking Rugby but which isn’t listed on this page, please submit your details at https://walkingrugby.co.uk/ in order to be recognised as part of our fast-growing community.
If your Surrey club is interested in starting Walking Rugby, please get in contact with us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will put you in touch with a club who will happily help you get started.
Playing Guidelines - Summary
-
As the format is relatively new, there are still variations in the way the game is played across the UK – Surrey clubs have played a key part in the development and standardisation of the guidelines. Surrey RFU supports the playing guidelines which can be found on the “Guidelines” page at https://walkingrugby.co.uk/ - these are in widespread use across the South-East and South-West divisions. In summary:
- Pitch size: 30 metres long, max. 40 metres wide
- Played with a size 4 ball – suitable for all ages/genders
- Each game is split into two halves (typically 7 minutes each) with a rehydration break
- Typically 7 players a side, with rolling substitutions
- Players must not run or jog at any time
- The ball must be passed backwards or transverse (not forward)
- A try is scored by the ball carrier crossing the try line with both feet
- A turnover occurs if the ball is knocked-on, passed forward or hits the ground . The non-offending team restarts with a tap and pass
- Foul play results in a penalty. The non-offending team restarts with a tap and can then pass or walk
- A tackle is a two-handed, light touch to the ball carrier (between shoulders and waist, including the arms). Robust tackles are penalised
- A tackled player must pass the ball within 3 seconds and within one pace from the spot where they were tackled
- The entire defence must step back one metre from a line through the point of the tackle. An offside player cannot be put onside by an action of an opposing player
- If the ball goes in touch, the other side re-start with a pass from the point where the ball crossed the touch line
