Stags are making impressive strides

The Telford-based club were one of 16 from around the globe who descended on Bilbao for the tournament, writes Matt Maher.

And despite having the smallest squad of any competing team, the Stags went on to claim an impressive joint fifth-placed with Swansea, the two teams having played out a thrilling 47-47 draw.

“I didn’t know what to expect of the tournament going into it, but the players went above and beyond,” said proud coach Tom Reeves.

“We won one game and lost one in the pool. We went to the next round and won that game, but we lost the in the next game.”

Mixed ability rugby is both a contact and non-contact sport. Participants must be aged over-18, though there is no upper age limit. Teams consist of both able-bodied players and those with disabilities.

Non-contact players wear bibs or coloured head guards and in essence play touch with all other players. Non-bibbed players play full contact with other non-bibbed players.

The Stags were founded in 2015 by Alexander Barclay, who played unified rugby while in Scotland with Trust Rugby International.

Both Telford Hornets and Worcester Warriors Community Foundation helped set up the club and the team consists of players from both Shropshire and Worcestershire.

Chairman John Barclay, who at 52 is the team’s oldest participant as an enabler to disabled players, believes the World Cup will have a huge impact on the future of the club.

“It was an amazing experience, certainly one of the best things I personally have ever done,” he said. “We took 22 people in total out to Spain from both Telford and Worcester and we made loads of friends over there.

“At least five of the youngsters in our team had never been out of the country before so it was all new to them.

“In terms of the relationships built, it has certainly opened doors for us.”

The Stags have recently switched their training sessions to Parsons Barracks at a new time of noon on Saturdays.

Barclay continued: “The move to the barracks was because the team needed to train on grass during the summer.

“The team suggested the move to Saturday training and it means we are now attracting even more numbers.

“We are always looking for players, enablers or anyone who just wants to help.

“This was our first World Cup and more about taking part than the winning.

“To be there having only started the club two years ago was significant. Now we want to build on the momentum from it and do more.”

Visit https://www.facebook.com/TRIShropshireStags for more information on Shropshire Stags.