SEVEN nations of mixed ability rugby are coming together for a tournament thanks to inspiration provided by Llanelli Wanders RFC.
The Wanderers will start their 20th anniversary season of by entering the Mixed Ability World Tournament being held in Bradford in August 17-21st.
The tournament brings together 12 mixed ability sides from seven nations. The Warriors have been placed in a pool with French and Italian opposition with potential clashes against English, Spanish, Scottish or Irish teams as the competition progresses.
There will also be a touch rugby tournament which will also feature sides from Serbia and Argentina.
The concept of mixed ability rugby has developed in recent years since the Bumble Bee Barbarians became the third side five years ago joining the Warriors and the even older Swansea Gladiators. Like the Warriors the Bumbles have been proactive in furthering the concept and they have put this tournament together in their home town. There will also be a conference on the future development of the sport for people with learning difficulties and Warriors Coach Gwilym Lewis has been asked to chair this in recognition of the Warriors experience and expertise.
The Warriors are based at Burry Port RFC and feature players with and without disabilities from throughout Carmarthenshire. Originally formed at Heol Goffa SAC, the club continue to have support from the council who are providing transport to Bradford for the tournament.
Gwilym Lewis said, “Our remit is to provide rugby opportunities for players with learning disabilities alongside able bodied players. This tournament is a chance to go away for five days and immerse ourselves in rugby.
“Whilst we obviously hope to do well, the chance to concentrate on rugby for a week whilst meeting people from across Europe is going to be a fantastic experience.
“The Warriors are well respected as pioneers in this field and we hope that we can still teach some of the other participants about rugby and inclusion.”
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