Ross Sutherland Rugby Club looking to branch out
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Ross Sutherland’s touch rugby competition could lay the groundwork for a different team popping up in Invergordon.
There is already a senior side that plays in the Caledonia North set up, with plans to introduce a second 15 on top of the existing minis and micros system.
The touch competition over the next couple of months will let players play a different format.
It will also see mixed teams taking part, which with women’s rugby something the club are actively looking to pursue, will be a valuable feature.
One thing the club has said over the last year is that the pandemic has forced them to reassess their approach to the community, with the Naval Grounds outfit keen to be a place where everyone is welcome.
Development officer John Mann says that applies to different kinds of rugby on the pitch just as much as off it.
“Touch rugby is almost its own sport outwith rugby union and rugby league,” Mann said.
“Typically, you’ve got a men’s division, a female division and then a mixed division, which tends to be the top tier almost, the most popular to watch.
“It’s a bit more social and a bit more fun. For us as a club, it’s helping because we’re starting a ladies’ section after the summer.
“It’s two birds with one stone – we want to set up a ladies’ section, and this is still rugby skills, but we really want to work moving forward to provide alternative forms of rugby to people.
“We know that 15-a-side contact rugby is not for everyone.
“People might want to play touch rugby as a sport, so we’ll try and provide that longer term.
“We’ve had walking rugby in the pas,t which will be coming back later in the summer when it finally warms up.
“It’s just trying to make sure that there’s something for everyone at the club. We need to really up our game and provide these playing opportunities for more people.”
