rugby

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-northern-ireland-57024364

Ian Cunningham is 80 years old and is one of the oldest walking rugby players in the UK.

Ian started playing rugby at school over 60 years ago and loved it. In the link above he says, “In rugby your greatest rivals are often among your greatest friends.”

 

Ian had an injury and had to stop playing the sport. But as he got older he started hill-walking and that was when his knee surprisingly started to heal. Now he plays for the Auld Greys, so called because of the grey line stone buildings in Kendal, where they are based, but also because of the grey hair on the players. The team for over 55s welcomes men and women.

 

Ian says walking rugby clubs will welcome anybody, even if they have not played rugby before; “Never mind the skill, any speed or anythinglike that, it’s the friendship that’s the important thing.”

-          Why do you think this story has made the news?

-          What is the stereotype for an 80 year old?

-          How is Ian breaking down stereotypes?

-          “In rugby your greatest rivals are often among your greatest friends.” What does this mean?

-          How do you think Ian felt when his injury meant he had to stop playing rugby?

-          Why do you think he knee healed?

-          Ian thought he would never play rugby again; what does this show us about the future and hope?-      

      -     In the Auld Greys, men and women play together. What does that show about the people in the team and what they feel about gender equality?

-          “Never mind the skill, any speed or anythinglike that, it’s the friendship that’s the important thing.” What does this mean?

-          What an we learn from Ian?

-          What can we learn from the Auld Greys?

Why is this about No Outsiders?