Bath photography exhibition shows 'spirit' of mixed ability rugby

A new photographic exhibition celebrates a rugby club for players of all abilities, from those with disabilities to former players.

Bath Mixed Ability Rugby formed last year when two mixed ability rugby clubs, Walcott Warriors and Stothert & Pitt, merged and players train at a rugby ground in Bristol Road, Bath.

The free exhibition at Bath Central Library features images by photographer Jon Taylor and runs until 27 September.

It aims to capture what Taylor called "the spirit of the club - training sessions in all weathers and players supporting and learning from one another".

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Jude Watson, 24, who is autistic and has a learning disability, said he never misses a session and is inseparable from his friend Jamie, who also plays at the club.

"I really like playing rugby with my friend Jamie," he said.

"I do lots of running which makes me feel good and I can catch the ball even when it's moving fast.

"The best part is when we hold arms in a circle at the end of training and do lots of cheering."

The club is also a refuge for former club rugby players who can no longer take part in regular games because of injury.

Alex Peters played rugby union in school, university and club teams, but a serious shoulder injury ended his playing days.

"It's just a phenomenal environment where you have the most kind of unlikely friendships forming which are just beautiful to see," he said.

"What's surprised me, personally, is seeing some of the development of the guys who wouldn't want to lie on the ground, for example, or they might have been afraid of trying to catch a ball.

"To see the developments for those individuals has been fantastic.

"It's just one of the beautiful things about rugby in its purest sense - that everyone's equal on the pitch having a wonderful time together."

Club coach Dave Copeland said: "Every training session involves someone doing something you would never have imagined them doing when they first joined the club.

"Every training session involves incredible laughter and humour - and every session you get to see players developing as rugby players, as friends of each other and as individuals.

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