Old Alleynians RFC

Grizzled OAs newcomer Andy Blizzard reflects on his Touch Rugby journey – and urges everyone to give the game a go...

Fifteen-a-side rugby is famously a game for all shapes and sizes of player.

But it’s got nothing on Touch Rugby at OAs – which is a game for all shapes and sizes, ages, abilities, genders and fitness levels!

It’s a truly welcoming, joyous experience – and a game I’m so glad I took up, despite being in my mid-50s.

My son Alex was a late starter with rugby at 16, but he has nothing on his Dad.

Having watched him play for OAs under-17s, I also tagged along when he went to ‘Touch’ in the summer, and thought: “I wish I could do that.”

“Well, why don’t you?” he replied, and so I dug out my ancient footy boots and joined in – getting my first taste of (semi) competitive rugby at 56.

Almost three years later, I’m still at it every Saturday.

At first it was a steep learning curve – because even without tackling, rucking, scrums and lineouts, I still had to learn how not to position myself like a footballer, how to defend channels (sort of), and how to straighten when I have the ball (still not got that, actually).

Despite my great age, my lack of a proper pass, and a chronic lack of speed, I’d like to think I’m almost competitive these days.

But that’s not really the point: what makes Touch at OAs so great is how kind and fun everyone and everything is - from our organiser, Ian Goodhew, to the many impressive young steppers and speedsters. And then there are the many older players, who sprinkle the games with wisdom, encouragement, laughter and occasional flashes of outrageous skill.

As I said at the top, Touch is a game for everyone (or everyone 14 and over!)

It’s given me the chance to play not just once with my son, but week after week, and it’s a real joy to see other Mums and Dads have the same precious experience with their own sons and daughters.

It’s got me fit, got me out of the house raring to go every Saturday morning, and introduced me to host of wonderful new people – young and old, male and female, fast and slow.

We have players who come from far and wide just to join in – and many of them say that OAs is the best Touch experience they’ve had in London.

On top of that, it’s absolutely free!

So, if you fancy chucking a ball around in a beautiful setting, why not join us between 10.30 and 12 noon every Saturday (and some Thursday evenings in July and August) Contact Ian Goodhew (familygoodhew@btinternet.com) for more info.