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The Yate Rugby Blog


Rugby at Yate just got even more exciting with the launch of our brand-new T1 Rugby sessions! Whether you’re a seasoned player or completely new to the sport, T1 Rugby is a fast, fun, and zero-contact version of the game, bringing together all the best elements of rugby in a format that’s accessible to everyone.


What is T1 Rugby?

T1 Rugby is a non-contact format of rugby designed to be inclusive, fast-paced, and enjoyable for all skill levels. Played with 7-10 players per team, T1 Rugby keeps the core principles of rugby—passing, kicking, teamwork, and strategy—while removing the physical contact, making it perfect for mixed abilities, and all genders, this version of Rugby is aimed at being the MOST inclusive yet still being honourable to the original game of Rugby Union.

Each team gets seven touches to score a try, and matches are played in two 10-minute halves, ensuring fast-flowing action and maximum involvement. Unlike standard touch or tag rugby, T1 Rugby introduces adapted scrums and lineouts, bringing an extra layer of skill and excitement to the game.


Why Play T1 Rugby?

✅ Fast-Paced & Exciting – Quick decision-making and teamwork are key!

Zero-Contact, Maximum Fun – Enjoy all the best bits of rugby without the heavy tackles.

Perfect for All Fitness Levels – Whether you’re looking to stay in shape or get back into sport, T1 Rugby is a great workout!

Inclusive & Social – Open to everyone, no matter your experience level.

Learn Rugby in a Fun & Supportive Environment – Great for beginners who want to develop their rugby skills.


Stay Fit with T1 Rugby!

If you’re looking for a way to stay active, improve fitness, and have fun while doing it, T1 Rugby is the perfect option! The high-intensity movement, quick footwork, and continuous play make it an excellent cardio workout, helping with agility, endurance, and overall fitness. Plus, with rolling substitutions, everyone stays engaged and gets plenty of game time.

Join Us at Yate Rugby!


📅 Training Sessions: Monday nights, 19:00-20:00 at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex, oh its FREE.

📍 Who Can Join? Absolutely anyone—new players, returning players, men, women, and mixed ability teams.

🔥 What to Expect? game time for everyone!



T1 Rugby is all about having fun, getting involved, and embracing the team spirit that makes rugby such a special sport. Whether you’re looking to try something new, stay active, or just enjoy a great social sport, T1 Rugby at Yate is for you!


Visit our website to learn more about Yate Rugby, our academy, and how you can get involved. Follow us on social media to stay updated with all our latest news, upcoming matches, and events.

Together, we’re growing stronger, and we’re excited to have you along for the journey!

Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for Yate Rugby. Let’s keep pushing forward – with pride, positivity, and progression! Visit Yate Rugby Website


💙🏉 Come down, give it a go, and be part of something special! #T1Rugby #InclusiveRugby #FastFunFitness #YateRugby #UpTheYate #YateRugbyAcademy

 
 

Mud, laughter, and non-stop rugby action! That’s exactly what we got when the Bristol Bears Community Foundation joined us at Yate Rugby Academy for a fantastic session packed with skill-building, teamwork, and plenty of fun. Players from multiple clubs came together for an unforgettable experience, proving once again that rugby is more than just a game—it’s a community.


An Action-Packed Session

From the moment the Bristol Bears coaches arrived, the energy was electric. Players of all ages hit the pitches, eager to learn from some of the best in the business. Drills were fast-paced, challenging, and—most importantly—full of encouragement and support. Whether it was tackling technique, passing precision, or game awareness, every player left the session having learned something new.


More Than Just Rugby

One of the best things about sessions like these is the impact beyond the pitch. It wasn’t just about skills—it was about bringing players together, building confidence, and reinforcing the values that make rugby so special: teamwork, respect, and perseverance. Seeing players from different clubs working together, pushing each other to improve, and celebrating each other’s successes was a true highlight.


Mud, Smiles & Memories

Of course, what would a rugby session at Yate be without a bit of mud? The weather may have added some extra challenges, but that only made it more fun! Sliding tackles, muddy kits, and ear-to-ear grins—that’s what rugby is all about!


A Huge Thank You!

We want to send a massive thank you to the Bristol Bears Community Foundation for delivering such an incredible session. Their passion for the game and commitment to growing grassroots rugby is truly inspiring. Sessions like this remind us why we love the sport—because it’s not just about what happens on the pitch, but about the friendships, the challenges, and the shared love of the game.


Join the Journey!

At Yate Rugby Academy, we’re all about creating opportunities for players to learn, grow, and most importantly—enjoy rugby. If you missed this session, don’t worry—there’s always something exciting happening at the club! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, there’s a place for everyone at Yate Rugby Academy.


If you want your child to be a part of this amazing journey, come join us at Yate Rugby! Visit our website and social media pages for more information on how to get involved. There’s never been a better time to be part of our rugby family.



💙🏉 One Club, One Family. See you on the pitch soon!





 
 

From the very first day Yate Rugby Academy opened its doors in 2018, Finley Welch has been at the heart of it all. A founding player, a natural leader, and a friend to everyone who steps onto the pitch, Fin has grown alongside the academy, helping to shape it into the thriving, welcoming community it is today.

But what makes Finley so special? It’s not just his talent on the pitch—though there’s plenty of that. It’s his passion, his kindness, and his ability to make everyone feel like they belong. Whether it’s welcoming a nervous new player with a reassuring arm around the shoulder or leading his teammates with energy and positivity, Fin embodies everything Yate Rugby Academy stands for.


A Second Family

For Fin, rugby is more than just a game. It’s about belonging, friendship, and the feeling of freedom that comes with being part of a team.

"I joined for a bit of fun—I didn’t even know if I would stick with it or not. But now, I wouldn’t look back. It’s MY second family. I love playing with all my friends, and seeing new kids join is amazing. I see the look on their faces, and I smile, because I know I looked just like that when I first started. But I also know that if they stick at it, they’ll make friends for life—just like I have."

Fin’s words sum up exactly what Yate Rugby Academy is all about. It’s not just about training, matches, or trophies—it’s about building something bigger. A culture of support, respect, and lifelong friendships.


A Leader On and Off the Pitch

Year after year, Fin has led by example, showing what it means to be a true rugby player—not just in skill, but in character. He’s the first to encourage a teammate, the first to celebrate success, and the first to pick someone up when things don’t go to plan. His leadership doesn’t come from shouting orders—it comes from being there, from leading with actions, not just words.


The Future is Bright

With players like Finley Welch shaping the future of Yate Rugby Academy, there’s no doubt that this club will continue to grow, thrive, and inspire. His journey—from a young kid unsure if rugby was for him, to a pillar of the academy and a role model for so many—is a testament to the power of sport, community, and perseverance.

So here’s to Fin—a leader, a teammate, and a friend to all. Yate Rugby Academy wouldn’t be the same without him! 

 

Join Us at Yate Rugby!

If you want your child to be a part of this amazing journey, come join us at Yate Rugby! Visit our website and social media pages for more information on how to get involved. There’s never been a better time to be part of our rugby family.


 






 
 
"Pride, Positivity, Progression"
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©2023 by Yate Rugby.

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