Learn the game

NORTH Herts stages a rugby match with a difference this weekend. Saracens Brave Herts are the only integrated rugby team in England and allow adults with learning disabilities to play rugby and enjoy the team experience. They recently enjoyed the experien

NORTH Herts stages a rugby match with a difference this weekend.

Saracens Brave Herts are the only integrated rugby team in England and allow adults with learning disabilities to play rugby and enjoy the team experience.

They recently enjoyed the experience of a lifetime in their 'international' against Llanelli Warriors and are to play their next match on home soil - in Letchworth GC.

They are taking on Letchworth Veterans at Letchworth GC Rugby Club this Saturday. The game at Baldock Road starts at 1.30pm as a curtain-raiser to the host club's London League Division Two North match against St Albans.

Saracens Brave Herts was set up less than a year ago by Simon Lowe and Nick Winwood of Herts County Council's adult care services to provide rugby for those with and without learning difficulties. Since then their numbers have grown and they have received the backing of sponsors How-Tec and CMG.

They also have use of the same facilities as the Saracens professional team at the University of Hertfordshire in Hatfield.

Winwood, veteran first team prop for Letchworth GC, said: "In the very short time we have been together there has been a definite improvement in the fitness of all taking part."

The idea came from an article in the monthly rugby magazine Rugby World. The article described a team in Wales called Llanelli Warriors that was made up of adults with (and without) learning disabilities.

The game is played to full senior laws except that scrummaging will be uncontested.

For further details, call Simon Lowe on 01923 354530 or Nick Winwood on 01920 880904.