Longlevens Griffins crowned Mixed Ability World Champions at IMART 2025
A mixed ability rugby team from Longlevens RFC have been crowned world champions at the 2025 International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament in Pamplona.
The Longlevens Griffins beat reigning champions Sunday Wells Rebels 36–14 in the Gold Cup final.
Beyond the silverware, the tournament was a celebration of Mixed Ability Rugby: inclusion, friendship and opportunities for all.
Sunshine, spirit and rugby in Spain
The week-long tournament saw the Griffins face off against teams from Ireland, Argentina, Spain, Italy and the UK, all played in the Spanish sunshine.
After topping their group with three wins from three, Longlevens pushed through a tough knockout stage, including a physical semi-final against a strong Italian side.
Their final match against reigning champions Sunday Wells Rebels saw the Griffins seal their victory and crown their unforgettable week.
Confidence and camaraderie
Shane Daley, who has been with the Griffins since 2017 and previously captained the side, was full of praise for the team and the tournament.
He said: “It was an absolutely amazing week. Seeing the camaraderie of people who don’t have any additional physical or mental health needs supporting others who do and making sure they’re getting the most out of the game is fantastic.”
For Shane, Pamplona was a family affair with his wife and daughters, both of whom play rugby themselves, making the trip to Spain to support the team.
Inspired by the success of the women’s teams at IMART, his wife is now spearheading the launch of a brand-new Women’s Mixed Ability side at Longlevens, with pre-season kicking off this summer.
For Pete de Klein, another member of the Griffins squad, mixed-ability rugby has been life changing.
After a cycling accident left him with long-term injuries, he lost confidence and stepped away from the sport. But after some encouragement, and a nudge from his wife, he gave the Griffins a try.
He said: “I went in there knowing how to play rugby, but my confidence was shot. I met people I never would have otherwise, and now they’re some of my closest friends. It helped me rebuild my confidence and get back to enjoying the game and life.”
A team for everyone
Longlevens’ Mixed Ability team has been running for eight years and was originally set up with support from Gloucester Rugby.
Today, it offers a welcoming environment for players of all backgrounds and abilities, including people with autism, cerebral palsy, limb differences and mental health conditions, to play rugby together.
Shane added: “Mixed-ability rugby breaks down barriers so everyone of all abilities can play together. The scrums are uncontested but everything else is the same. It’s inclusive and everyone is welcome.”
After their triumph in Pamplona, the Griffins return to Gloucester not just as world champions, but as proud ambassadors for what rugby can and should be: a game for everyone.
And with a new Women’s Mixed Ability team launching this summer, the future for inclusive rugby at Longlevens looks very bright indeed.
