A couple of years before lock down, Gloucester rugby was looking to engage with clubs to expand the Mixed Ability Rugby (MAR) scene. Cainscross RFC, a family-oriented club in Stroud, were delighted to be offered the opportunity to join scheme, and is still going strong today. Mixed ability rugby brings together people of all ages, skill levels and backgrounds to enjoy the cut and thrust of a rugby game.
The MAR lead at Gloucester was local legend Terry Fanolua who had left his homeland of Samoa at the age of 23 to play professional rugby with the club. He made an immediate impact both on the pitch and with the supporters who took him to their hearts as one of their own. After a 10-year career with the club and brief sojourn in France, he was back to join the Gloucester RFC community team.
In 2020, Lockdown arrived suddenly for us all, it felt like the heart being ripped from the club with the cessation of sessions. For Cainscross MAR, the WhatsApp group was used to keep all engaged in the club. Predicition competitions were the highlight utilising Six Nations and Lions Tour events amongst others. But everyone knew that the moment it was safe again, we’d all be back out there on the field throwing the ball around.
After lockdown, the club and the coaches have continued to provide the players with their rugby after Terry and his team took a step back. Numbers continue to be strong with several youngsters playing alongside parents. The group includes someone who has a big target of becoming a Red Rose England player!!
Sessions continue at 6pm every Monday throughout the year at Victory Park in Cainscross. All are made welcome and introduced to the fantastic game of rugby with skill sessions alongside team games. If you are interested then pop along and join us – but, be careful, you might enjoy it too much!!!
Follow Cainscross MAR here on Facebook.
