Three generations of one family are helping drive the success of Nottingham’s first walking rugby team, as the sport continues to grow across the UK.

Nottingham Vikings Walking Rugby was founded after 73-year-old Dave Morris suggested starting a club to his son-in-law Ben to combine his love of rugby with a desire to improve his fitness. 

Walking rugby is a non-contact version of the sport and was first introduced in 2015.

It now has around 250 active clubs nationwide.

Players must remain at walking pace at all times and instead of tackles defenders stop play with a touch.

The game has become increasingly popular with older players, newcomers, and those returning from injury. 

Dave, who used to play traditional 15-a-side rugby in his free time, said the club has transformed both his fitness and confidence. 

He said: “I wanted to do something to help with my fitness. 

“I love rugby, so I mentioned to Ben that we should start a walking rugby club.  

“He spoke to his Corsairs RFC contacts and we got going from there.” 

The Nottingham Rugby Club pitch ready to be shared by walking and non-walking teams

Dave said that despite being one of the oldest members of the squad, he enjoys that the sport is far more energetic than many people expect. 

He added: “I like to keep fit and active and walking rugby is competitive and great fun.  

“It’s much faster than it sounds and I’m much fitter than when I started. 

“I’ve lost some unwanted extra weight, can walk further and keep going for longer than before.” 

One of Dave’s favourite memories came just weeks ago during a fixture against Hinckley Hares, when three generations of his family shared the pitch together: him, his son-in-law, and his 11 and 13-year-old grandchildren.

Son-in-law Ben helps run the Vikings alongside Dave and said the club prides itself on being welcoming and inclusive for all ages and abilities.

He said: “We wanted to create something that anybody could join, whether they had played rugby before or not.

“Seeing grandparents, parents, and children all enjoying the game together is what makes this club so special.”

As the sport is gaining popularity across the country, there are walking rugby tournaments taking place almost every weekend throughout the summer. 

Dave and Ben want to take this to the next level, with plans to advocate for an official walking rugby league that could add weekly home and away matches to their calendars.