PRESS RELEASE; Worcester RFC Selected for World Club Cup!
The hugely successful Mixed Ability programme at Worcester RFC has been selected to take it’s Men’s AND Women’s teams to the 4th International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (Or IMART for short) in Pamplona, Spain in June 2025.
Taking place over one week from the 21st -28th June, Worcester Mixed Ability will visit IMART for the second time, with the men having previously been part of IMART 2022. Now however they go with the biggest UK Women’s Team as well. Sarah Nicholls, founder and Team Manager of the Women’s Mixed Ability section can’t wait! “Setting up one of the 1st woman's Mixed Ability teams in the UK has been incredible, as we've grown so quickly. Sharing this news with my inspirational rugby family has been a dream come true. Our motto is 'no matter what your ability or who you are, with us 'You Are Enough'!
My team feel so honoured to represent our club and can't wait to shine on the world stage.!”
Worcester RFC Mixed Ability Lead, Tom Reeves enthused “What a few years it’s been! I’m so excited for everyone who will get to be part of this tournament AND a part of history. For many of us we’ve dreamed of playing rugby & this will be the highest level we can reach so it’ll be a ‘dreams come true’ kind of experience! Having been to Ireland in 2022 I know what awaits. Not only it is an incredible event but it’ll change their lives!”
The teams need to fundraise approx. £50,000 to take 70 players & support staff to Spain. They welcome interests of kit sponsorship for the tournament – a presentation of sponsorship opportunities can be requested via comms@wrfc.info
Meanwhile, donations will be gratefully received at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/worcesterrfc-mixedability
WHAT IS MIXED ABILITY?
Mixed Ability Rugby is, very simply, rugby for players of all abilities & disabilities. An inclusive form of rugby for all with a handful of tweaks to the rules such as uncontested scrums and limited contact dependant on ability. The team currently has players with learning difficulties, anxiety, dyslexia and dyspraxia, acute fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, personality disorders, ADHD and more.
HISTORY; The Mixed Ability programme began in 2016 & has brought in over 150 new players to the club with some going on to represent the club at higher senior levels. At IMART 2022 Worcester Men’s Mixed Ability came a creditable 6th & were the highest ranked side in England. As a result the team returned home and launched the Women’s Mixed Ability team.
Players of all ages (16+), abilities and S.E.N needs are welcomed & encouraged Tuesday & Thursdays evenings 6-7pm (Men and Women).
Notes to Editors: To find out more about Worcestershire’s Most Inclusive Club please head to
https://worcesterrfc.rfu.club/teams | Instagram / X / Facebook @WorcesterRFCMA
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