British Lion to launch Newtown Inclusive Rugby

Friday sees ex-Wales and British Lions Captain Ryan Jones swap the red shirt of Wales for the red shirt of Newtown as part of an inclusive rugby festival to mark the launch of Newtowns’ new mixed ability rugby team, The Newtown Dragons.

Mixed ability/inclusive rugby allows a multitude of people to take to the same playing fields. Teams typically consist of players with mental and physical disabilities alongside current senior players and people looking to put their boots back on after a sabbatical.

The festival will include 2 mixed ability sides, Newtown Dragons and Shropshire Stags alongside Newtown 2nd team in a bid to demonstrate how festivals can cater for a range of varying rugby teams with participation at the forefront.

WRU head of participation Ryan Jones will be lining up for the Newtown Dragons alongside other WRU employees, players and staff from Brynllywarch Hall School and members of the community of Newtown.

Newtown Rugby Hub Officer Dave Roberts explains “This new team is the latest result of the good work coming from the partnership being developed between Newtown Rugby Club, Brynllywarch Hall School and Newtown High School.

“Ryan is coming to Brynllywarch with WRU TV to highlight the great work that the pupils of Brynllywarch have been doing in the community by running rugby festivals and coaching in local primary schools.

“To have him then stay on to play as part of our inclusive rugby launch is an honour. It will be a huge night for the further development of Newtown RFC”.

The game kicks off under floodlights at The Recreation ground, home of Newtown RFC at 7pm. WRU TV will also be present.