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Longlevens Men’s Mixed Ability Rugby (MAR) crowned World Champions
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Longlevens Men have been crowned the World Champions for Mixed Ability Rugby (MAR) and have also launched a Women’s MAR side.
A mixed-ability rugby team from Longlevens RFC have been crowned world champions at the 2025 International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament in Pamplona. The Longlevens Griffins beat reigning champions Sunday Wells Rebels 36–14 in the Gold Cup final on Friday, 27 June 2025. Beyond the silverware, the tournament was a celebration of Mixed Ability Rugby: inclusion, friendship and opportunities for all.
The week-long tournament saw the Griffins face off against teams from Ireland, Argentina, Spain, Italy and the UK, all played beneath the beaming Spanish sun. After topping their group with three wins from three, Longlevens pushed through a tough knockout stage, including a physical semi-final against a strong Italian side. Their final match against reigning champions Sunday Wells Rebels saw the Griffins seal their victory and crown their unforgettable week.
Shane Daley, who has been with the Griffins since 2019 and previously captained the side, was full of praise for the team and the tournament. He said: “It was an absolutely amazing week. Seeing the camaraderie of people who don’t have any additional physical or mental health needs supporting others who do and making sure they’re getting the most out of the game is fantastic.” For Shane, Pamplona was a family affair with his wife and daughters, both of whom play rugby themselves, making the trip to Spain to support the team. Inspired by the success of the women’s teams at the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART) , his wife, Clare, is now spearheading the launch of a brand-new Women’s Mixed Ability side at Longlevens, with pre-season kicking off this summer.
For Pete, another member of the Griffins squad, mixed-ability rugby has been life changing. After a cycling accident left him with long-term injuries, he lost confidence and stepped away from the sport. But after some encouragement, and a nudge from his wife, Catrin, he gave the Griffins a try. He said: “I went in there knowing how to play rugby, but my confidence was shot. I met people I never would have otherwise, and now they’re some of my closest friends. It helped me rebuild my confidence and get back to enjoying the game and life.”
Today, it offers a welcoming environment for players of all backgrounds and abilities, including people with autism, cerebral palsy, limb differences and mental health conditions, to play rugby together.
Shane added: “Mixed-ability rugby breaks down barriers so everyone of all abilities can play together. The scrums are uncontested but everything else is the same. It’s inclusive and everyone is welcome.”
And with a new Women’s Mixed Ability team having launched this summer, the future for inclusive rugby at Longlevens looks very bright indeed.
The Women’s MAR team train every Monday 1900-2000 and the Men’s MAR team train every Wednesday 1830 – 2000.
You can find the teams on social media, Longlevens RFC website or contact directly:
Men: LonglevensRFC.mar@gmail.com
Women: longlevensrfc.womens.mar@gmail.com
We would love to have new teammates join us (16 years and over) so if you are keen to get involved, please get in touch.