Try Rugby – It’s for Everyone!
Sunderland was proud to host the first game of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and the Red Roses showed us how exciting rugby can be! Now is the perfect time to give rugby a go – even if you’ve never played before.
We’re working with local rugby clubs to make rugby fun and easy for everyone. There’s something for all ages, from girls’ rugby to walking rugby and fitness sessions. Plus, we’ve put rugby posts in parks across the city, so you can play whenever you like!
Our goal is simple: help everyone get active. Here’s what we’re doing:
- Fun for All – Beginner sessions for men and women of all ages.
- Family Time – Easy ways for families to play and stay active together.
- Women & Girls – Special activities to help more women and girls join in.
- Inclusive for Everyone – Activities for people of all abilities.
Ready to Try Something New?
Check out the timetable of activities
| What to expect | Day | Time | Venue | Contact | Cost |
| Rugby Fit | Monday | 6.30-7.30pm | Houghton Miner’s Welfare Hall, DH4 5AF | info@evolutiongym24.com / 0191 584 3502 | FREE |
| Mixed touch rugby | Monday | 6.30-7.30pm | Hill View Playing Fields SR2 9JT |
(Sunderland RFC) |
£ |
| Train with Wayne | Monday | 6.00-7.00pm | The Pavillion SR4 8DY | karen.noble@pallionactiongroup.co.uk | FREE |
| Strive 25 Fitness | Tuesday | 6.00-7.00pm | Silksworth Sports Complex SR3 1PD | 0191 528 5101 | FREE |
| Women’s only touch rugby | Tuesday | 6.30-7.30pm | Hill View Playing Fields SR2 9JT |
(Sunderland RFC) |
FREE |
| Women’s and mixed touch rugby | Tuesday | 7-8pm | Washington Football Hub NE37 3HR | washingtonrugbyclubcontact@gmail.com | FREE |
| Touch rugby for aged 15 and over | Wednesday | 6.30-8pm | Houghton Rugby Club DH4 5BW | vigor.rugby@gmail.com | £ |
| Women’s Touch rugby | Thursday (starting 18 September) |
4.00-5.00pm | The Pavillion SR4 8DY | wayne.noble@pallionactiongroup.co.uk | FREE |
| Walking rugby | Thursday | 6.30-7.30pm | Hill View Playing Fields SR2 9JT |
(Sunderland RFC) |
FREE |
| Return to rugby | Thursday | 8-9pm | Washington Football Hub NE37 3HR | david.addison4412@gmail.com / 07484 789 097 | FREE |
| Change the Game Bootcamp | Friday | 5-6pm | Thompson Park SR5 1SF | active@sunderland.gov.uk | FREE |
| Rugby Fit | Saturday | 10-11am | Barnes Park SR4 7PY | kathryn@kathrynforte.com / 07769 946 711 | FREE |
| Fitness Club | Saturday | 10-11am | Ashbrooke Sports Club SR2 7HH |
(Sunderland RFC) |
£ |
| Little Legs Rugby | Sunday | 9-10am | Houghton Rugby Club DH4 5BW | vigor.rugby@gmail.com | £ |
| Walking Rugby | Sunday | 10.30-11.30am | Houghton Rugby Club DH4 5BW | houghtonrugbyclub@outlook.com | £ |
Different Goalposts, Same Passion
We’ve installed 5 sets of junior rugby posts across Sunderland. You can play anytime – just bring your friends and have fun!
Where to find them
- Shipwrights Playing Fields, Redhouse SR5 5DF
- Commercial Road, Hendon (next to Grangetown Primary School) SR2 8PX
- Barnes Park Playing Fields SR4 7PY
- Princess Anne Park, Washington NE38 7SS
- Success Road Playing Fields, Houghton-le-Spring DH4 4UL
Need a ball? You can borrow one for free at:
- Barnes Park Café