Mixed Ability
Mixed Ability Rugby is “just rugby” — a full-contact team open to anyone who wants to play. It is not a disability-labelled team: players are not classified by physical, intellectual, or mental disabilities. Everyone plays together, sharing the same training, matches, and team identity.
What is Mixed Ability Rugby?
General Rules:
- 15-a-side
- Mixed disabled and non-disabled players in each team
- Full contact (with uncontested scrums)
- Over 18 only
Who Can Play?
Mixed Ability Rugby is available to people with and without disabilities, people returning to the sport after some time away, those new to rugby, or those who want a place in a team where they can contribute, belong, and still enjoy the competitive and social aspects of the sport.
If a club offers Mixed Ability, it means:
- You don’t need specific classification or diagnosis to join
- It welcomes players who’ve been out of the sport, missed seasons, or moved away from competitive rugby but want to come back
- It offers a structure for both playing and giving back (e.g. mentoring, volunteer roles, helping new players)
- It encourages social involvement like tours, team-bonding, and travelling to matches
Benefits of Mixed Ability Rugby
Research and experience from mixed ability teams show a range of significant benefits, for both individuals and clubs. Some of the key ones include:
| Benefit | What it means for players returning / giving back / staying involved |
| Physical Wellbeing | Helps regain fitness, mobility, strength; provides regular training and match play. Coming back into the sport often means improved health, more energy, and routine. |
| Social Inclusion & Networks | Re-connecting with people; making new friends; feeling part of a community. For those who left the game, this provides social belonging and removes isolation. |
| Personal Development & Confidence | Growing self-belief, practising leadership, mentoring others. Returning players often become role models or mentors for newer players. |
| Sense of Purpose & Contribution | Players who have stepped back can re-engage, contribute off-the-pitch too (coaching, volunteering, helping organise teams/tours) and feel needed. |
| Mental Health & Wellbeing | Being part of a team alleviates feelings of loneliness, supports emotional recovery, gives structure & routine. |
| Tours & Events | Mixed Ability teams often take part in tours, tournaments, matching fixtures – opportunities to travel, bond, and represent the club. For returning players, this is a chance to relive the joy of travel and competition. |
| Inclusivity & Culture Shift | Helps clubs become more inclusive, changing perceptions of what a “rugby player” looks like, breaking down social and physical barriers. For those who left due to disability or other barriers, this shows that rugby is for everyone. |
Is Mixed Ability Rugby Available Across Ireland?
Mixed Ability Rugby is continuing to grow in Ireland, but only a small number of clubs currently run teams. You can find their details below – we encourage you to get in touch directly to learn more and connect with the teams.
If your club is interested in developing a Mixed Ability Rugby programme, the IRFU can provide guidance, training, and resources to help you get started. Please contact the IRFU Disability & Inclusion Officer for more information.
The current list of clubs providing mixed ability rugby can be found below:
| Club Name | Team Name | What province is your club Located? | What form of rugby ? | Age Group | Lead Contact Name? | Mobile Number? | Email Address? |
| Arklow RFC | Red Kites | Leinster | Mixed Ability Rugby (Male) | Over 18s | Tadhg O Scannail | 085 7657775 | Arklowinclusiverugby@gmail.com |
| DLSP FC | Vikings | Leinster | Mixed Ability Rugby (Male) | Over 18s | Ken Fitzpatrick | 0879232376 | Ken.fitz81@gmail.com |
| Ballincollig RFC | Trailblazers | Munster | Mixed Ability Rugby (Female) | Over 18s | Fionnuala Fay | 0857245630 | fionnuala.fay@gmail.com |
| Bantry Bay RFC | West Cork Jesters | Munster | Mixed Ability Rugby (Male) | Over 18s | Hugh Dunne | 087 953 2287 | dunnehugh@yahoo.ie |
| Bantry Bay RFC | West Cork Jesters | Munster | Mixed Ability Rugby (Female) | Over 18s | Noreen Cupps | 0868684383 | Noreencupps1@gmail.com |
| Sunday’s Well RFC | Sunday’s Well Rebels | Munster | Mixed Ability Rugby (Male) | Over 18s | Liam Maher | 0872364930 | Liam@sheilashostel.ie |
| Banbridge RFC | Banbridge Barbarians | Ulster | Mixed Ability Rugby (Male) | Over 18s | Kenny Long | Mob 07757777505 | disabilityofficer@banbridgerfc.com |
| Malone RFC | Malone Tornadoes | Ulster | Mixed Ability Rugby (Male) | Over 18s | Ashley Mulligan | Mob 07879436369 | ashkan47@hotmail.co.uk |
IMART World Cup 2022
Ireland hosted the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament in 2022.
Host club Sunday’s Well Rebels crowned champions at Musgrave Park on the final day of what had been an incredible week.
