Getting started
As Sunderland gears up to host the opening game of the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup, it's the perfect opportunity to get involved in a new sport. We're working with local rugby clubs to offer something for everyone, from girls' rugby to walking rugby and fitness sessions. With new rugby posts popping up across the city, there's never been a better time to give rugby a try.
We're committed to providing opportunities that help everyone in our community become more active, with a focus on:
- Men & Women of All Ages: Creating fun and accessible beginner-level sessions to get more people moving.
- Families: Offering local, informal play opportunities that make it easy for families to stay active together.
- Women & Girls: Developing new initiatives to encourage women and girls to get more active.
- Inclusive Opportunities: Ensuring everyone, including residents with disabilities, has access to activities that meet their needs.
There are lots of free sessions you can get involved with:
Girls only aged 11+ free rugby session. Training takes part at Hill View Playing Fields every Monday 6.-7pm.
Walking Rugby takes place every Wednesday 6.30-7.30pm at Ashbrooke Sports Grounds, West Lawn, Sunderland, SR2 7HH.
Touch Rugby: this non-contact session is a great deal of fun. These free sessions are mixed gender, open to ages 14+ and there's always room for more to come along and get involved.
Every Tuesday 7.-8pm at the Washington Football Hub, NE37 3HR
Different Goalposts, Same Passion
We are working on continually creating new opportunities for communities to take part in recreational rugby activities and recently 5 sets of junior rugby posts have popped up across the city with exciting programmes to be announced.
You can find the new posts at the following locations:
Shipwrights Playing Fields, Redhouse
Commercial Road, Hendon
Barnes Park
Princess Anne Park, Washington
Success Road Playing Fields, Houghton le spring
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