RUGBY FOR ALL ABILITIES AT CLUB - September 12 saw a very special mixed ability rugby game take place at the Bishops Castle Rugby Football Club ground. The Shropshire Stags played a showcase match between their Telford and Bishops Castle satellite teams. The aim was to publicise the exciting, rewarding and above all fun version of the great game of mixed ability rugby that sees people with and without disability, all playing together. The game is full contact with minimal rule changes from the regular game and Darren Price, the Midlands development officer for Trust Rugby International explains, "Sometimes we wrap people up in cotton wool but mixed ability rugby allows them to take part in full contact rugby. It's more than just the game though; we have guys with Downs Syndrome, ADHD, Autism, Asperger's syndrome and other mental and physical disabilities playing in a fully inclusive team .This gives everybody involved improved social skills and self- confidence. It's very enjoyable and puts everybody on a level playing field."

Darren continues, "As a team we have had one away game so far, playing against Llanelli Warriors. It was a great victory, but the result is almost secondary. The smiles, the interaction the enjoyment on everybody's faces made the day a complete success story. One in four people will experience some sort of mental illness, with male suicide the highest killer of men under 45 in the country. Playing rugby like this can really help. On Saturday we had 30 guys, including two Scottish Internationals playing rugby, not for the victory although I'm sure bragging rights will be fought for, but really just for the fun of it.

"Everybody needs to be free of the stigma and fear surrounding mental illness, and there is no better sight to see people accepting each other for who they are and getting on and playing and just being people. Just because somebody has Downs Syndrome or Autism who are we to say they don't want to experience the thrill of a full contact sport. The friendships made here are genuine and will last a lifetime.

The Shropshire Stags train at Bishops Castle Rugby Club on Thursday nights at 7pm and at Telford Rugby Club on Monday nights at 7pm. If you want to find out more email darrenptrustrugby@gmail or ring 07917 343516.