Rugby for all: Boyle and Shiel support inclusive team

• 8 Aug 2024
• News

Edinburgh Rugby players Connor Boyle and Charlie Shiel swapped the rigours of pre-season training for the joy of passing on their rugby passion to the club’s inclusive squad.

The dynamic duo joined the Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team for their first session of the new season, lending a hand with warm-ups, drills, and even a bit of friendly competition.

“Yeah, me and Charlie were down helping out with the inclusive team, playing a bit of rugby, taking people for a warm-up, and just making sure everyone had a good time,” said Boyle.

“It was real fun, everyone’s had a great run around, people got better at rugby and also just spent time with their friends. But yeah, I think everyone’s really enjoyed themselves.

“It’s great to just give back to our community. The inclusive squad are people that want to enjoy the sport of rugby, and for me, that’s something that’s really important. It’s giving back to the community that we’re in and making sure everyone can enjoy rugby.”

The session was a clear highlight for the inclusive squad, with Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team Head Coach David Oliver beaming with pride.

“It was absolutely brilliant because our boys look up to these lads and they see them week in, week out at Hive Stadium, because our boys have got Season Ticket Memberships with the club.

“They actually relate to these guys and when they’re seeing them tonight, you can see a couple of the boys really took to them, especially Leo!”

Oliver was keen to highlight the inclusive nature of the sport and encouraged others to get involved.

“We’ve got an open night next week at Hive Stadium, 7pm to 8.30pm. Anybody can come along as long as they’re over the age of 18 and just try rugby, mixed ability rugby or inclusive rugby as we call it.

“We need to put the word out there that inclusive rugby is that. Rugby is for everybody, any age. Anybody can play a game of rugby and we have an open night next week. Everybody’s welcome. Come along, see what we do. If you like it, you just have to come back next Wednesday and it gets better and better.

“But tonight’s training session for the first time since June, having over 30 bodies here and two pro rugby players, it was unbelievably brilliant.”

The session was a resounding success, with both players and participants leaving with smiles on their faces. It’s clear that rugby is a sport for all, and Edinburgh Rugby is committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of the game.

Don’t miss out! Join the Edinburgh Inclusive Rugby Team at Hive Stadium for their open day next Wednesday 14 August, 7pm to 8:30pm. All are welcome!