Back in 2022, Worcester pulled off one of the most talked about upsets in the history of rugby. In doing so, they created the first women’s mixed ability team in England! Coach James Phipps has been the driving force behind Worcester’s effort to develop inclusive sports. This campaign has already encouraged similar teams to establish in Ledbury, Bath and Yeovil. At its core, this collective movement seeks to better serve players of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds by creating more opportunities for everyone to enjoy the game.
The International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART) World Cup that was held in Pamplona, Spain this past July. It celebrated all that is amazing about the talent and energy of mixed ability rugby. Worcester’s men and women’s teams both participated in the 2025 Mixed Ability World Cup, demonstrating their commitment to this inclusive approach to rugby.
Mixed ability rugby is inclusive of everyone, from newbies to pros. It accommodates players of all capabilities, including those regularly rehabilitating from serious injuries or others just wanting to give rugby a go. Players participate in full-contact matches or touch competitions based on their level of comfort, risk, and experience.
James Phipps expressed pride in the diversity of participants, stating, “We have players aged from 17 to 57. It’s never too late to pick up a rugby ball and have a go.” He highlighted the success of the teams at the IMART, noting, “Our women’s team made it to the semi-finals before being knocked out by Wales, and the men got through to the quarter finals.”
We’re hoping to promote this idea and cultivate this kind of enriching experience for this sport, explained Kim Morris, another committed coach in the mixed ability framework. “Mixed ability rugby is an amazing sport. You don’t just learn skills; you make friends and build a support network,” she said. Our 17-year-old team member Elsie-May cuts to the heart of it. Although the showcase itself drew the attention, it’s the shared experiences of just being on the team that has buoyed Mai. She remarked, “It’s fun and I like being with my friends.”
For parents, the social component of mixed ability rugby is equally important. David, Elsie-May’s dad, said that making connections with any friends outside the school day could be more difficult for peers with more intensive needs in a special education school. He shared his views on how rugby has positively impacted his daughter: “The rugby is helping Elsie-May to grow and mature and she loves the social side.”
Gavin Vickers, director of rugby at Worcester RFC, supports this inclusive initiative, stating, “You can play full-contact or touch, whatever makes you feel comfortable.” This inherent flexibility lets players find out where their strengths are while having fun with the game.
Looking forward James Phipps shared some long-term goals they are working towards. “Our aim is to launch the Midlands mixed ability side this season, followed by the first England women’s team by 2027,” he stated. With a vision to expand and promote mixed ability rugby further, he remarked, “It’s the perfect time for us to be ambitious and get the word out to as many people as possible.”
