Even though some might think so, rugby isn’t simply about strong men and women running about and bashing into each other. Rugby is and always has been a team game, one that can create an exhilarating and fulfilling activity. That’s the view we take at Trust Rugby International and we go one step further: We believe rugby is a sport that can provide outlets for those normally not engaged in sport.
The above picture tells this story, a story that began in June 2012 in Kilmarnock, where, with a small group of volunteers, a three month pilot project from NHS Ayrshire & Arran began. Though founded in 2010, this was the project that would set the pace for Trust Rugby International’s growth over the next years. The project was set up to encourage those with learning disabilities or difficulties to try rugby and play alongside able bodied players to create a new variation of the sport. Unified rugby would not separate players of different abilities anymore but encourage them to learn from one another and grow together. This approach of teaching players how to support one another and enable the potential of others instead of only themselves formed the basis of tri’s goal: To proactively tackle any limiting assumption that would prevent individuals, communities and cultures coming together to try rugby.
Unexpectedly, the pilot proved even more successful than anticipated. After the three months, it secured further financial support from both NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Scottish Government. With such clear signs of support, tri concentrated on building a player base at its home base at Kilmarnock Rugby Club over the next year. With participation constantly increasing and a dedicated group of supporters on the sidelines, the coaches went on to build player confidence and skills. With such dedication on display week after week, the team, then officially named The Clan, took part in the first official tri Unions Cup in June 2013. Inviting unified rugby teams from across the UK and with just as much variety of experience, tri set out to stage an event that would build new partnerships and strengthen the impact of unified sports. While the fledgling Clan narrowly lost out to their experienced guests from Bradford and Llanelli, they were never discouraged. The team went on to have a truly memorable season, impressing audiences and teams alike when traveling to Llanelli and Belfast, not just with outstanding player performances and wins but by sharing their spirit on social nights.
With these trips helping The Clan to build lasting friendships and tri to take new directions for growth, it only made sense to spread these new ideas for personal development through rugby. In June 2014, tri organised the tri Nation’s Cup, a week-long festival of unified rugby. With support from ENABLE Scotland, the festival was all about ‘Tackling Limiting Assumptions’. Over 200 pupils from both ASN as well as mainstream schools from all over Ayrshire took part in tri’s rugby workshops during the first two days, while ENABLE Scotland offered talks on inclusivity not only for the pupils but also for all teachers, parents and carers who wanted to become more involved in setting a good example. Equipped with goodie bags and special t-shirts, everyone joined in on the fun and many new connections were formed through the fun the exercises created. But the work didn’t stop there for tri: Coaching workshops, rugby practices and social inclusion training sessions all proved popular, with coaches attending from Scotland, England, Wales, France and Spain. With so many guests staying on to watch the main tournament on the final day, The Clan’s first big win was all the more impressive and celebrated in style.
The seeds sown during the festival grew quickly, with new rugby teams being set up across the UK and tri entering into talks with Scottish Rugby to establish a formal partnership. With interest ever increasing, a new Clan team was set up in Edinburgh and tri finalised plans to carry its values into schools in Edinburgh, just as it had done in Ayrshire. However, it was not just schools interested in working with tri; during the autumn, the BBC aired a feature on tri’s work during the Edinburgh v Leinster game and shortly after, The Clan was invited to play a ten-a-side demonstration game during half-time at the Scotland v Tonga International at Rugby Park Kilmarnock. Truly a highlight of the season for the players. While these were wonderful news already, tri’s development team were also proud to be awarded a Positive Coaching Scotland accreditation by the Bill McLaren Foundation and take their partnership with Scottish Rugby to the next level, by agreeing to deliver inclusive rugby presentations and coaching sessions to clubs throughout Scotland and drive the foundation of further unified teams. Being given the chance to further the charity’s impact with such prominent support is truly invaluable to tri.
Having pioneered unified rugby in Scotland, tri and The Clan were delighted to compete at the Mixed Ability Rugby World Tournament in Bradford and to be chosen as the country’s first fully unified, full contact national squad, in partnership with Scottish Rugby. Prior to leaving, Scottish Rugby President Ian Rankin even presented The Clan with jerseys for the tournament. The event itself was truly memorable, both on and off the field. Scotland finished unbeaten, with three wins and one draw against the eventual winners, our Irish friends, the Sundays Well Rebels. Off the field, it is fair to say the team took a wonderful part in the social side of rugby, leading their Basque, French, Italian and Welsh counterparts in a conga around the field, entertaining the crowd throughout the days and encouraging social gatherings after the matches. The crowd were well entertained and the team set everybody in the mood for a party to celebrate friends old and new and memories that would last a lifetime.
Since these events, tri have been able to further build their partnerships, carrying the values of rugby into schools in Ayrshire and Edinburgh as well as introducing The Missing Trick programme with Glasgow Caledonian University and Turning Point Scotland to support those recovering from addiction. Our work doesn’t just concentrate on one group of people, it is for everyone. Promoting social inclusion has always been tri’s aim and while winning a game of rugby is nice, the life-changing aspect of our work is giving others the feeling of being included, valued and to have the chance of making a contribution. Our story so far proves that what tri are doing has a profound effect on all participants, on and off the field. Some of our players have moved into unsupported accommodation in the past year, gone to college, and gained employment, while others have made friends and feel they belong for the first time. That in itself is a reason to keep going and celebrate every achievement along the way.
Off the Pitch 