As with all major sporting events which are televised to the nation and around the world, it results in a huge upswing of interest and support. Much like the rapid growth in popularity of women's football in recent years. Most recently, rugby has been trending on both scoial media and traditional media outlets, thanks largely to the ongoing Rugby World Cup, in which there has been some huge upsets and remarkable displays of courage and athleticism.
As a staple sport of the CSSC calendar for many decades, rugby has always been a priority for our members. Not only for opportunities to watch, but to play, grow communities, purchase equipment and host taster sessions and events.
Thanks to rugby's growing popularity and its expansion into more inclusive formats such as mixed, touch, wheelchair and walking - CSSC has needed this encouragement to grow our unique opportunities and offers.
CSSC Rugby Festival at Maidenhead Rugby Club
It’s a good job that rugby players and fans are made of stern stuff. Thanks to the extensive downpours through matchday on the Wednesday of the tournament, players from across England and Wales were truly tested and more than rose to the occasion.
A huge thanks to the team at Maidenhead Rugby Club, which was more than up to the task of hosting this extraordinary event. Both players and volunteers were extremely enthusiastic about the venue, which matched the skills on display.
As a prelude to the main events, England Touch hosted a Walking Touch Rugby session and exhibition match to showcase the inclusivity of rugby and highlight the openness and welcoming nature of rugby and its fans. Those who took part were incredibly helpful in sharing the benefits of this mixed game and invited early fans to come pitch-side and have a try. (no pun intended).
Expert analysis
Thanks also to Ffion Lewis and Danny Wilson who shared their vast experience of both playing and managing professional sides, throughout the day.
Scrum-Half, Ffion, is among the first 12 professional Welsh female players, who has notched up 33 caps playing for the Welsh Women’s team.
Danny is Co-ordinator, Lineout and Contact Coach for the Harlequins, having previously won the Challenge Cup title with Cardiff Rugby among his many successes on and off the field.
A celebration of National Pride
With three main games throughout the day, the talent on display was evident for all to see. Berkshire All Stars taking on The RAF High Wycombe in a Touch Rugby exhibition match, CSSC Men’s England vs Wales and CSSC Women’s vs The Royal Navy.
A huge congratulations to CSSC Wales for beating England 22-7. And a massive well done to The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force for beating CSSC Women’s team 25-8.
The play was tough, made even tougher by malevolent weather, but all throughout the play was fair and hard-won victories were welcomed and praised by all.
Rugby players unite
Perhaps it’s the nature of the closeness of rugby in particular, but when the last ball is kicked and the final whistle blown, teams come together to congratulate the victors, like no other sport. And so, the post-match medal presentation, dinner and guest speakers were well-received by all and capped a stunning day of exciting, dramatic, energetic and uniting sport and entertainment.
Raising money for great causes
Throughout the day, Wooden Spoon, the Children’s Charity of Rugby, were collecting vital funds, helping to support dozens of causes and projects and thousands of children, nationwide. We managed to raise £175 on the day and look forward to helping support this incredible charity much more in the future.
We hope next year’s tournament will be even bigger and offers more opportunities for everyone to take part in sport and find a passion which connects, unites and enthrals the civil service, public sector and armed forces for years to come.
To view the full collection of photos from the day, please visit this link. We've worked hard to include only the best images of the tournament. However, if you would like us to remove any images, please get in touch here.
