GALLERY: OPMs finally get their walking rugby sessions up-and-running

OPMs have finally got their walking rugby sessions up-and-running – three years later than first planned.

The Elburton-based club had been due to hold their first walking rugby event on March 17, 2020, but the day before the country went into a national lockdown due to covid-19 and their plans had to be put on hold.

But on Tuesday they finally held a successful launch at King George V Playing Fields with around 20 people turning up to take part in a joint walking rugby and health and well-being session.

Rachel Miller, the RFU’s club developer for the area, took the walking rugby, while there were also other activities like archery, curling and indoor games on offer for those who did not want to play rugby, as well as tea/coffee and cake in the clubhouse.

The club are going to be holding the well-being sessions every Tuesday afternoon between 2.30pm and 4.30pm from now on and they will also be starting Friday evening solely walking rugby sessions from April 21.

When the club redeveloped the changing room block and made a clubhouse and bar they always said they wanted it to be used by the community and they hope more and more people will start coming to their Tuesday sessions and just enjoying their social space.

“We want to be involved in the local community,” said organiser Dave Glastonbury. “And I don’t think people realise the facilities we have.

“Hopefully, we will get to know more people and they will get to know us.

“We are going for two distinct approaches with the walking rugby – one session will be aimed at health and well-being but the Friday night session will probably be the opposite,” laughed Glastonbury, who admitted that one might end up in the bar afterwards.

OPMs led the way with touch rugby in Plymouth and are keen to offer something for all ages, abilities and genders. They have also recently launched a girls’ section.

Walking rugby has really taken off in Devon in recent years. Ivybridge now have a successful group, while Plymouth Argaum have also launched sessions on a Wednesday this season at 6.30pm.

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