What are the MARIS?
The MARIS are the Mixed Ability Barbarians in essence - the Mixed Ability Rugby Invitational Side
Mixed Ability Rugby is a fully inclusive form of the game, providing a team environment for people to play whatever their skill level or physical / mental ability.
The format of the game is contact and non-contact so those who cannot or don’t want to take physical contact, can still enjoy the brotherhood of rugby.
Worcester RFC set up their own mixed ability team over 6 years ago and our founder and now club fix sec AJ Mills has been on the MARIS list for some time but unable to make it. This December he gets his chance in Halifax to mark the 10th anniversary of their team
AJ said
“Seeing numbers go from a handful of lads each week to between 30-60 every Tuesday and Thursday evening no matter what the weather is a real pleasure. To say I’m proud to be part of what the club has created would be an understatement!
"It will be an honour to wear our club socks alongside the Barbarian’s shirt and a fitting way to start my final year as Team Manager.”
Joining AJ will be MA Coach and Player Jason Smart and MA/3rds player Simon Sheward
Simon Sheward said
"It’s an honour to be selected to play for the Maris. I started out knowing literally nothing about rugby and with the support and coaching from everyone at Worcester MA I have been selected for this occasion. I want to do my club proud and wear the Maris shirt with pride and know I was taught by all at Worcester."
Jason Smart said
"I'm stupidly happy! I genuinely can't believe it and i'm looking forward to the whole experience of it. I've never done anything like this in 30 odd years of rugby so will be a great experience"
We wish the the very best of luck this December 'up North!'
