The RWBRFC Walking Rugby "Old Dogs" were back in festival action on Saturday at the inaugural Dursley RFC WRamble.
In baking hot conditions, the Old Dogs played six matches, recording four wins and two defeats while scoring an impressive 30 tries.
Their excellent sportsmanship earned them 3rd place in the Fair Play standings, making it two festivals in a row with silverware.
The day also included a memorable world record attempt for the largest-ever Walking Rugby match, with around 160 players taking part in an incredible 80-a-side game.
Next up, the Old Dogs head to Marlborough as their busy summer festival schedule continues.
A winning day 🏆 for the RWBRFC Walking Rugby "Old Dogs" at the Gloucester Relics Walking Rugby Festival!
Playing in another hot and sunny festival, the Old Dogs faced five opponents and once again finished the day unbeaten, recording five wins with their trademark free-flowing style of Walking Rugby.
A new, faster-paced format with just a few minutes between matches kept everyone on their toes, and it certainly suited the Old Dogs, who had no chance to seize up between games!
Their unbeaten record earned them the Festival Winners' Shield, while their sportsmanship and respect for the game also saw them receive the Fair Play Award, voted for by the day's referees.
Congratulations to Allen Theobald, who marked his Walking Rugby festival debut in style by scoring his first festival try.
Next up, the Old Dogs head to the Dursley Wramble Festival as another busy summer of Walking Rugby continues.
RWBRFC "Old Dogs" shine in the sunshine
On Saturday 11th July, eleven "Old Dogs" from Royal Wootton Bassett's Walking Rugby section made the short journey to Kingswood RFC to take part in the world’s largest walking rugby festival.
Over 500 players from 52 teams took to the field for an afternoon of top-class walking rugby in baking sunshine.
Playing six games throughout the day, Bassett's Old Dogs came away unbeaten, winning 4 games and drawing 2.
In a 2-2 draw against a very skilful Burnham Antelopes team, the Old Dogs were forced to defend for 6 of the 7 minutes of the first half, with the Antelopes refusing to give up possession of the ball, but excellent comms and commitment to hold the line kept the Antelopes at bay. Bassett's two tries were straight out of the free-flowing playbook they are becoming known for.
A great afternoon, played in the right spirit, enjoyed by all teams. Next week, RWBRFC Old Dogs will take part in the Gloucester Relics Festival.
Bridgewater & Albion RFC Walking Rugby Festival
Another successful outing for the RWBRFC Walking Rugby "Old Dogs" this weekend as they travelled to Bridgewater & Albion RFC for an afternoon of festival rugby.
Despite the hot and humid conditions, the Old Dogs produced some excellent attacking rugby, solid defence and plenty of teamwork to go unbeaten throughout the day.
Across six matches, the squad recorded five wins and one draw, scoring 28 tries and conceding just nine. The highlight was a hard-fought 3-3 draw against the younger Llangennech Globetrotters, earning plenty of praise from their opponents.
As always, the rugby was played in great spirit, with plenty of friendly banter and sportsmanship on display alongside the competitive action.
With three more festivals coming up over the next four weeks, the Old Dogs are looking forward to another busy summer of Walking Rugby.
Interested in getting involved? Walking Rugby takes place every Monday at 6pm at Ballards Ash and is open to anyone aged 45+ or those living with a health condition.
June 2026
A great session this week on a hot and sweaty night at Ballards Ash.
Work continued on shoring up our defence with the emphasis on communication and holding the line.
In attack, the usual "Old Dog" free style was on show, along with tries being scored due to the quick hand speed of everyone involved.
Phil, Emily and Jules all managed to hit the dust, but all were injury-free and returned to the session. Stacey had to have a "recount" after taking a bullet pass from Andy, again, all was well, and Stacey continued with the session.
A big welcome was given to newcomer Geoph, who very quickly got to grips with the rules and tempo of "Old Dog" rugby.
Special mention to Andy, who made a valiant effort to attend, coming late he didn't even get a chance to change out of his fancy-dress costume!
Don't forget sessions start at 6 pm every Monday at Ballards Ash. See you there.
Join us!
Walking Rugby at Royal Wootton Bassett RFC provides a fun, active and social way to stay involved in rugby. Sessions are open to anyone aged 45 and over, as well as those living with a health condition, regardless of previous rugby experience.
The Old Dogs train every Monday evening at 6pm at Ballards Ash, and new players are always welcome.
To find out more, visit: www.rwbrfc.club/information/walking-rugby
