Longlevens RFC

The sun-soaked city of Pamplona, Spain, famous for its bull runs and rich culture, was taken over in June by a different kind of charge — a stampede of inclusivity, camaraderie, and rugby spirit as teams from across the globe gathered for the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART) 2025.

Among them stood Longlevens Griffins, proudly representing Gloucester and the Mixed Ability Rugby community. What followed was a week of unforgettable performances, unbreakable bonds, and a tournament that would end with the Griffins lifting the Gold Cup.

Group Stage Glory

Longlevens opened their campaign with a tightly contested encounter against DLSP Vikings from Ireland. Despite the nerves of a first fixture, the Griffins dug deep and emerged victorious, sealing a 17–10 win that set the tone for the tournament.

With only a few hours’ rest under the blazing Spanish sun, the team returned to face Yaguares Mixed Ability. In what proved to be a gruelling match, Longlevens showed their resilience and skill, claiming a 31–15 win in the 35C afternoon heat.

Tuesday brought the final group stage match against Club de Rugby El Salvador and one of the Griffin’s best tries of the season. Following a multi-phase defensive set in the Longlevens half, Rhys Costello put in a trademark bone crunching tackling allowing Elliot Fortey to effect an excellent jackal before a rampaging rhino run swotting away several tackles; a quick ruck gave scrum-half Elijah Mei a platform to find Alex Wade at fly-half with Paul Watson running an excellent centre line outside. Jack Giles had held his depth and width allowing Paul to float a 15 metre pass for Jack to burst onto just inside the Longlevens half before sprinting past 4 defenders to score in the corner. With qualification on the line, the Griffins turned up the intensity, delivering a dominant 33–5 performance that secured top spot in the group — and a place in the knockout rounds.

The afternoon provided a well-earned break as several players headed to a nearby waterpark to cool off, returning refreshed and, thankfully, injury-free.

Knockout Brilliance

Wednesday’s quarter-final clash against Worcester Mixed Ability proved to be a tense affair early on. Both sides cancelled each other out in the first half, but the Griffins surged forward in the second, breaking the deadlock and closing the match out with a superb 20–0 win.

Celebrations were in order, and the squad embraced the local culture that evening with a team meal at a traditional Pamplona cider house, “Kalean Gora Sidreria.” Our IMAS rep, Ian, managed to arrange it last minute as a private venue and the hosts were very gracious. Players took turns catching their own cider straight from the vats — a skill mastered quicker by some than others — before feasting on an array of regional delicacies including rich lamb shanks, and mighty T-bone steaks. All washed down, of course, with some well-deserved ‘hydration’.

Final Steps to Glory

The semi-final on Thursday brought an encounter with the tough and disciplined Italian side Capitolina. The game was fiercely fought, with every ruck and tackle hotly contested. But Longlevens showed their mettle once again, edging past the Italians 10–5 and booking their place in the final. Unfortunately, we lost 2 players to serious injuries ruling them out of the final but highlighted the ferocity of the game.

A Golden Finish

And so, it came down to one last battle — Longlevens Griffins vs. Sunday Wells Rebels, the reigning champions. From the opening whistle, Longlevens played with passion, precision, and pride. The forwards provided a platform for the backs to find the space. The support from the sidelines was electric, spurring the team on with every pass, carry, and try. When the final whistle blew, it was the Griffins who stood tall, victorious with a stunning 36–14 triumph. Gold Cup Champions.

More Than Rugby

Beyond the scores and silverware, this tournament was a celebration of what Mixed Ability Rugby truly represents: inclusion, friendship, opportunity, and belief. Not all disabilities are visible, and every single member of the Longlevens family played a part — on and off the pitch.

To every supporter, sponsor, volunteer, coach, and player — thank you. IMART 2025 was unforgettable (apart from the tequila).

Joining Us

We train every Wednesday at Longlevens RFC (Longford Lane, Gloucester, GL2 9EU) from 18:30. After training, we often gather in the bar for drinks and food. Preseason training for the 2025-26 season starts Wednesday 23 rd July. To contact us, find Longlevens Mixed Ability Rugby and DM us on FaceBook, Instagram, or TikTok, or email LonglevensRFC.mar@gmail.com.