New mixed ability rugby club established at Reading RFC

A mixed ability rugby club which caters for players of all abilities and many disabilities has been established at Reading RFC.

The Berkshire Brigands has been set up with support from the Berkshire RFU, Get Berkshire Active and the International Mixed Ability Sports (IMAS) organisation who have been instrumental in putting the new club in contact with similar clubs across the UK.

The inspiration for the club comes from Duncan Stonehouse, who has Down Syndrome. Duncan’s brother Drew has played rugby for Reading RFC from an early age and Duncan has always been keen to play the game alongside his brother. Now he’ll get the chance.

The team will adhere to all RFU policies and guidelines and will play normal, full-contact rugby with the exception being uncontested scrums.

Training sessions have already begun with the team training on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm-8.30pm and Saturdays from 11am to 12.30pm.

Reading RFC president Yasmin Miller said: “People always tell me Reading is a friendly and welcoming club, and that’s really important to me. It’s fantastic to extend our welcome to a new sector of society and give even more people the chance to enjoy rugby. I can’t wait to see Duncan on the pitch with Drew for the first time.

For further details email brigandsrugby@gmail.com