MEMBERS of Melksham’s mixed ability rugby team, the Melksham Stags, took part in a prestigious event at Twickenham last month in front of 72,000 spectators.
Three Melksham Stag representatives – Fraser Bucksey, Jeremy Flower and Jonny Flower – were invited to join the Bath Rugby Foundation team at the Premiership Rugby Final to take part in an inclusive rugby festival against the Bristol Bears, Worcester Warriors, Wasps, and Saracen’s mixed ability rugby sides.
The team also had the opportunity to play during half-time of the Premiership Rugby Final, which saw the Bath Rugby Foundation score several tries, including tries by Fraser and Jonny.
Melksham Stags coach, Alex Rendall said, “For much of the team, this was their first experience at Twickenham but for our Melksham Stags participants, this showcased another milestone in the growth of their journey from when they formed back in November 2021.
“We believe that we have discovered something truly special in Melksham; we are an inclusive rugby team who welcomes all people from all communities to join and we pride ourselves on creating memories and developing people to offer them the opportunity to thrive in their everyday life.”
Melksham Stags player/coach, Jeremy Flower said, “To have the opportunity not only to take my son Jonny to Twickenham but play alongside him on the pitch at half time of the Premiership Final is way above anything I could have ever dreamt of.
“Seeing Jonny score on the hallowed turf of rugby’s headquarters really was a day the both of us will remember for the rest of our lives.
“Being part of a Bath Rugby Foundation’s invitational team was both humbling and joyful. Seeing the reaction of all the players, when we stepped on the pitch was again something I will cherish. I can’t thank the guys at Bath Rugby Foundation – Alex, Dan, Lauren, Lia and Adam – enough for allowing me and Jonny to share such an amazing experience.
“Mixed Ability Rugby has given me memoires and experiences I never thought possible, I feel honoured and proud to be part of the Melksham Stags Mixed Ability Rugby set up and urge anybody regardless of size, shape, ability, or age to come and join in, you never know where it may take you!”
Starting this week, Melksham Stags now train every Monday 7pm-8pm. If you’d like to join or are interested to hear more, please contact either Alex on alex.randall@ bathrugbyfoundation.com; or Jeremy on jez-jvs@hotmail. co.uk; or just turn up to one of their sessions.
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