TWO Worcester RFC players have been named in the inaugural Mixed Ability Barbarians squad to play the Llanelli Warriors at Cardiff Arms Park on July 24.

AJ Mills and long-term player/coach Tom Reeves have been given the honour of being in the first ever Mixed Ability Barbarians side, selected from mixed ability teams from across the world for this historic first.

Mixed Ability Rugby was first set up over 25 years ago and the Llanelli Warriors were the second ever mixed ability team.

This year they are celebrating their 25th anniversary and their founders 50th which this exhibition game will celebrate.

Mixed Ability Rugby is a fully inclusive form of the game, providing a team environment for people to play whatever their skill level or physical / mental ability.

The format of the game is contact and non-contact so those who cannot or don’t want to take physical contact, can still enjoy the brotherhood of rugby.

Worcester RFC set up their own mixed ability team 4 years ago with the help of AJ Mills, Adam Law and Nick Lee.

Like their professional counterparts, those selected will become part of a lifelong club and both are honoured to have been chosen.

Reeves said: “I’m simply blown away. I’ve been a rugby fan all my life and mixed ability allowed me to play again after a long time out. To play at this iconic rugby venue and be part of this historic club is proper dream come true stuff!”

Mills added “Seeing numbers go from a handful of lads each week to between 30-60 every Tuesday and Thursday evening no matter what the weather is a real pleasure. To say I’m proud to be part of what the club has created would be an understatement!

"It will be an honour to wear our club socks alongside the Barbarian’s shirt and a fitting way to start my final year as Team Manager.”

Club chairman Stephen Lloyd said: “The journey for MA Rugby at Worcester is still very young but it has grabbed the imagination of many people and has seen great growth in playing members. It really is a joy to see people just being together and enjoying the sport and community spirit it brings.

"A big part of the success are the people who organise and coach.

"No reward, no adulation, just the knowledge that they are making a difference to so many, something we now know is vital in mental and physical health. As a club we could not be prouder of AJ and Tom and know they will represent us with pride. As a reward for all their efforts this is so well deserved and timely. Well done chaps, go well, be proud and most of all, enjoy it! Congratulations from all at Worcester RFC.”

You can find out more about playing Mixed Ability Rugby at https://worcesterrfc.rfu.club/teams/worcester-rfc-mixed-ability/464481/profile where players of all ages, genders and abilities are welcome, or via the team’s social media pages @WorcesterRFCMA.