TRAFFORD MV's walking rugby sessions continue in the new year for anyone wanting to gently burn off the calories after the festive season.

The club, based off Glebelands Road in Sale, have been hosting Wednesday evening sessions for the last couple of years and have a well-established group of regulars who have braved all weathers enjoying the fun and friendship developed taking part.

The sessions were originally started by Sale Sharks Community Trust but are now self-run by MV. 

Aimed ideally at the over-50s, but open to all, walking rugby, as its name suggests is a slowed-down version of the game and it is gradually findings its place nationally as clubs across the country latch onto the idea for keeping former players involved and active.

The game is minimal contact, based on a two-handed 'touch' off the opposition player, the teams are mixed gender and kicking of the ball is not allowed.

The pitch is sized to suit the numbers playing to ensure games are competitive and not too big that people cannot enjoy a social get-together in the bar afterwards.

Anyone who does not feel they can manage the walking rugby can always join the sessions for a chat and friendly get together from 7.30pm in the clubhouse at MacPherson Park.

Our current crop of talent includes players with a variety of joint replacements including hips, knees and ankles – men and women who had never picked up a rugby ball and players advised to do a bit of exercise as part of their medical advice.

Players attend from as far as Knutsford and novices are welcome to join in and give it a try.

Former players from Bowdon, Kersal, Heaton Moor, Old Salians and Carrington, as well as Trafford MV, regularly attend the sessions in all weathers and players are encouraged to walk as much or as little as their fitness dictates.

The sessions run on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm under floodlights at Trafford MV's ground on Finny Bank Road in Sale, and the first one of 2020 will be on January 2.

Anyone interested in getting involved can just turn up on the night or email wilfdooley@virginmedia.com for more information.