Solicitors rugby, also known as law rugby, has been a fixture on the British sporting calendar since the late 1880s. The sport is unique: it combines the physicality and camaraderie of traditional rugby with a celebration of culture, charity, education and legal practice. This article will explain what makes solicitors rugby so special and why it has flourished for over 130 yearclick here
What is Solicitors Rugby?
Solicitors rugby is played between two teams of 15 players representing firms from both the legal and business communities. The game is unique in that each team must have a minimum of seven players who are qualified solicitors or barristers. The remainder of the squad can be made up of colleagues and friends, who don’t need to be qualified lawyers. Each match is divided into two halves of 35 minutes, with a 10-minute interval at half-time. The game is generally played on a circular pitch, rather than a traditional oval field, and all players must wear protective headgear.
History of Solicitors Rugby
The roots of solicitors rugby stretch back to the late 19th century when barristers and solicitors began to organize informal matches against one another. Initially these games served a social purpose, providing a forum for lawyers to mingle and build relationships outside of work. Over time the sport developed and formal competitions were established, culminating in the formation of the Solicitors’ Rugby Football Association (SRFA) in 1898.
Benefits of Solicitors Rugby
Solicitors rugby not only serves as a competitive sport but also provides an opportunity for lawyers to network and make contacts in the legal profession. Through regular tournaments, teams can make valuable contacts that can lead to potential business opportunities or referrals. Furthermore, by playing solicitors rugby, lawyers develop skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving, which can be beneficial at work.
Additionally, many SRFA affiliated clubs use the sport as a platform to raise money for charity. Many of the teams fundraise before every match and donate the proceeds to causes such as cancer research, mental health awareness and homeless shelters. This charitable element has been integral to solicitors rugby since its inception and continues to be an important part of the sport.
Competitive Opportunities
For those looking for competitive opportunities within solicitors rugby, the SRFA organises several tournaments throughout the year. These include the Six Nations Cup, the Law Cup and the Inter-Firms Cup, which attract teams from all over the country. Both men’s and women’s teams are able to compete, making the sport accessible and encouraging more people to take part.
Clubs & Teams
There are numerous clubs and teams that play solicitors rugby, either under the umbrella of the SRFA or as independent entities. Some of these clubs include the City Solicitors’ Club, the London Society of Rugby Lawyers, and the Manchester Curia Barristers. It is worth noting that many of these teams are based near major cities, so if you’re looking to join a team it might be best to start by searching online or contacting local teams directly.
Click Here for More Information
If you’re interested in learning more about solicitors rugby, click here for details on how to get involved. The SRFA website also contains lots of information, including rules, regulations and contact information for clubs and teams around the country. So whether you’re looking to join a team or just to find out more about this unique sport, there are plenty of resources available to help you.