Town's mixed-ability rugby continues to grow

(Left to right) Reuben Sutton, James Hughes, Brad Clements and Simon Lewis are regulars for the Marvels

A rugby team in Stafford featuring players with disabilities has said the sport is going from strength to strength in the town.

The Marvels mixed-ability side has developed a 20-strong squad and plays full 15-a-side games against teams as far away as Halifax, Bolton and Colwyn Bay.

A tournament hosted at their Blackberry Lane facility was a favourite for Brad Clements, the team's winger who is autistic.

"I thought it was a great day. Meeting up with other MAR (mixed-ability rugby) teams and seeing how they play their style of rugby," he said.

The game is adjusted with some players opting to be grabbed or tagged to make a tackle.

There are also non-contested scrums, but otherwise the laws are largely the same as the traditional game.

The mixed line-up means players like Mr Clements have had the opportunity to play alongside their brothers and dads in a competitive match for the first time.

Club director and coach Keith Richards explained that the team formed eight years ago with just a handful of founding members.

The Marvels have now grown to being the fourth-highest-ranked side in the Ability Rugby International Championship.

"We’re playing a lot more games against mixed-ability teams," he said.

"Now the players with disabilities are included and they feel very much part of the team.”

Mr Richards said he welcomed more players to join the squad, male or female, with ambitions of forming a mixed ability women's team.

Mr Clements "goosed" teammate Will Conaghan at Monday's training session

Mr Clements said he would highly recommend people joining the Marvels.

"It’s a good general vibe and great for the rugby and training," he said.

Sessions are every Monday at Stafford RUFC from 19:00.