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Mixed ability rugby 'spirit' on show at exhibition

Christopher MaceBristol
News imageJon Taylor A boy in a black and blue rugby shirt running with a rugby ball towards the camera. Some of his team mates are following in support, as well as opposition players in red and white shirts.Jon Taylor
The club is open to all players, regardless of ability

A new photographic exhibition celebrates a rugby club for players of all abilities, from those with disabilities to former players.

Bath Mixed Ability Rugby formed last year when two mixed ability rugby clubs, Walcott Warriors and Stothert & Pitt, merged and players train at a rugby ground in Bristol Road, Bath.

The free exhibition at Bath Central Library features images by photographer Jon Taylor and runs until 27 September.

It aims to capture what Taylor called "the spirit of the club - training sessions in all weathers and players supporting and learning from one another".

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News imageJon Taylor Players in a huddle. Jamie is wearing a pink and yellow rugby shirt. Jamie has his arms around him and is wearing a Bath sweatshirt with a cap that reads "I love pandas"Jon Taylor
Jude Watson (centre left) plays every week and is inseparable from his friend Jamie (centre right)

Jude Watson, 24, who is autistic and has a learning disability, said he never misses a session and is inseparable from his friend Jamie, who also plays at the club.

"I really like playing rugby with my friend Jamie," he said.

"I do lots of running which makes me feel good and I can catch the ball even when it's moving fast.

"The best part is when we hold arms in a circle at the end of training and do lots of cheering."

News imageJon Taylor Rugby player Alex Peters in a red, yellow and blue kit, running with the ball and trying to get around two other opposition players, in black and grey hooped kit. They are playing in a small stadium, with blue seats in the background.Jon Taylor
Alex Peters suffered a shoulder injury that stopped him playing full contact rugby

The club is also a refuge for former club rugby players who can no longer take part in regular games because of injury.

Alex Peters played rugby union in school, university and club teams, but a serious shoulder injury ended his playing days.

"It's just a phenomenal environment where you have the most kind of unlikely friendships forming which are just beautiful to see," he said.

"What's surprised me, personally, is seeing some of the development of the guys who wouldn't want to lie on the ground, for example, or they might have been afraid of trying to catch a ball.

"To see the developments for those individuals has been fantastic.

"It's just one of the beautiful things about rugby in its purest sense - that everyone's equal on the pitch having a wonderful time together."

News imageJon Taylor A group of players and coaches on a very wet football pitch. Rain is lashing down, causing a mist effect in the background. Some players are shrouded by it.Jon Taylor
Training goes ahead even in the wettest of weather

Club coach Dave Copeland said: "Every training session involves someone doing something you would never have imagined them doing when they first joined the club.

"Every training session involves incredible laughter and humour - and every session you get to see players developing as rugby players, as friends of each other and as individuals.

"It is a humbling experience."

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