KINGSWOOD Rugby Football Club once again made history on July 12 by hosting the world’s largest Walking Rugby Festival at its Grimsbury Road grounds in Bristol.
The seventh annual event welcomed more than 520 players across 52 teams from 39 clubs, drawing participants from across the UK.
The festival, organised by the Kingswood Titans Walking Rugby Section, showcased the growing popularity of walking rugby – a simplified, inclusive version of the sport designed for all ages and abilities. There were 156 matches played across 12 pitches, making the day a celebration of camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Steve Deery, director of walking rugby at Kingswood RFC, said: “This festival just keeps getting better each year. At Kingswood, we believe in making the game fun and inclusive, so we don’t keep score. This creates a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere for everyone involved. It’s all about participation, camaraderie, and fairplay.”
Despite the intense heat, the event ran smoothly and all the matches started and finished on time. Organisers provided ample water and shaded areas, with support from local community group We are BS15.
The festival wasn’t just about the games, it was a full-day experience. Spectators enjoyed food stalls, refreshments from the clubhouse bar, and live music in the evening. Special guests in-cluded George Taylor from the Bristol Bears, whose mother was among the players, represent-ing Nailsea and Backwell RFC.
Kingswood RFC fielded nine teams from across its club sections, including the Titans, Seniors, Vets, and Women’s Rugby. The club’s inclusive ethos was evident throughout the day, with players of all backgrounds and abilities taking part.
Awards were presented to Guildfordians RFC, winners of the Kingswood Walking Rugby Memo-rial Shield, while Crickhowell RFC won the Titans Captain’s FairPlay Award.
Walking rugby continues to grow, with Kingswood Titans actively participating in festivals across the UK and even internationally, including a recent trip to Brussels. The club maintains strong ties with local and Welsh teams, promoting mixed training sessions and community engagement.
Looking ahead, Kingswood RFC has already announced the eighth Walking Rugby Festival, set for Saturday July 11, 2026.
For more information about the Walking Rugby Festival and other Kingswood RFC events visit: https://www.kingswoodrfc.co.uk/