SWINDON Rugby and North Wilts Hockey have returned to action and are looking for new members to join their clubs.

The respective rugby and hockey outfits are partnership clubs based in Greenbridge, Swindon and are working together to build strong links with the community and give everyone the opportunity to play these sports.

Club members from both sides have been expressing how excited they are about playing rugby and hockey again and seeing all their friends out on the field and at the club.

Hannah Dukes, NWHC chair said: “Both clubs have shown great resilience over the past year and our members have been very supportive and excited to return to play.

“We are delighted to announce that as well as extending our adult training over the summer, our Sunday sessions and youth training are both back up and running as well. We have plenty of opportunities for new and existing members to play over the summer.”

Meanwhile, Martin Popowicz, SRFC Director of Rugby said: “We have designed our own roadmap around returning to the full 15 a side game, based on the government guidance and easing people back into it after such a long time away from the sport.

“We are back training on Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8pm, and to begin with these are touch rugby sessions, for players to get used to running around again with ball in hand and getting rid of some of those cobwebs.”

Joe Walsh, who is in charge of running the youth section at Swindon Rugby Club, said: “We are fully committed to restarting our youth section after the past year of disruption.

“Our approach is all about helping children develop and learn the game at their own pace and making sure they have plenty of fun while playing. Our initial focus is on boys and girls ages from 4 – 11, and in September we are hoping to extend this to include ages 12-18.”

Both clubs are keen to encourage new members of all ages, and have asked people with any questions to please get in touch via chat@northwiltshc.co.uk or secretary@swindonrfc.co.uk.