Inclusive rugby is at the heart of Bath Rugby Foundation’s commitment to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience the game, regardless of background, ability, or previous experience. It is simply rugby - open, welcoming, and shaped by the belief that there is a place for everyone on the pitch.

Unlike traditional pathways that may separate players by ability or classification, inclusive rugby brings people together in the same game. Players are not defined by disability or barrier, but by their shared enjoyment of the sport. Whether someone is completely new to rugby, returning after time away, or already part of a club environment, they are welcomed into a format that prioritises participation, enjoyment and teamwork.

See inclusive rugby in action...

Rugby is uniquely suited to this approach. It has always been a game of all shapes, sizes and skill sets, where different strengths combine to form a team. Inclusive rugby builds on this tradition, ensuring every player contributes meaningfully and is valued for what they bring. The only adapted law is uncontested scrums, reflecting common practice in social and veteran rugby.

Bath Rugby Foundation has been delivering inclusive rugby through our Project Rugby, supporting the development of inclusive rugby clubs across the region: Walcot Warriors, Bath Mixed Ability, Yeovil Mixed Ability, Melksham Stags, and Chippenham Cavaliers. These sessions run weekly across Bath, Wiltshire and Somerset, providing regular training, match play and a strong sense of community.

This work has helped establish several regional milestones, including the first inclusive rugby team in the South West, the first female inclusive rugby team in the UK, and the first club in the country to run both male and female inclusive teams together. Each team is supported by specialist coaching that ensures sessions are accessible, engaging and tailored to the needs of all participants, alongside practical support such as travel assistance and fixtures.

A key part of this pathway is helping players progress from school and community engagement sessions into regular club rugby, building confidence and independence along the way. This progression is also celebrated through events such as our first ever Foundation Junior Cup in 2026 and our annual Foundation Senior Cup, which bring together hundreds of young people and adult players from across the region. These tournaments showcase the power of inclusive rugby in action - competitive, fun and united by a shared love of the game.

Inclusive rugby at Bath Rugby Foundation is not just about playing sport. It is about creating belonging, building confidence and opening up long-term pathways into community life through rugby.

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Join a team:

Melksham Stags:

Mondays: 6:45pm-8pm

Oakfield Stadium

Bath Mixed Ability:

Tuesdays: 7:15pm-8:15pm

Stothert & Pitt RFC

Chippenham Cavaliers:

Wednesdays: 8pm-9pm

Chippenham RFC

Yeovil Mixed Ability:

Fridays: 7pm-8pm

Yeovil RFC

For more information, and how to get involved, please contact our Community Manager: [email protected]