SHROPSHIRE Stags have been handed world recognition.

The Bishop’s Castle rugby club, with satellite clubs at Telford, have been nominated best newcomer of 2015/16 by Ability Rugby International, the governing body for mixed ability rugby in the world.

The Stags were formed only 12 months ago by Alex Barclay who had played for another inclusive rugby team in Scotland, along with Darren Price, a Shropshire coach having roots in rugby for many years specialising in inclusive sport.

With 21 teams entered from eight countries, the Stags came fifth overall at season end. Llanelli Warriors came top of the league winning the main award.

Captain Alex Barclay said: “This has been a fantastic ?rst year, from nothing we now have more than 40 training each week at 7pm in Telford on a Monday and a Thursday in Bishop’s Castle.

“We have played two mixed ability teams, Swansea Gladiators and Llanelli Warriors, winning both of those games but losing a third against Swansea, we also play mainstream rugby teams at least once a month with Ludlow RFC being the highlight of last season.

“Everybody gets on so well and this form of rugby has so many bene?ts, way beyond the game alone - it gets people out of isolation, it provides a team and network of friends, it promotes self con?dence, disability awareness and encourages ?tness. As a group we have travelled away to Llanelli, Worcester and many Shropshire clubs to play games and watch matches, all of this empowers people which is a joy to be part of.”

Coach Darren Price added: “We were an infant project with no track record so I thank Bishop's Castle Rugby Club, Energize, Perthyn, Worcester Warriors, S J Roberts, Lowe?eld Timber frames, A T Brown, Wooden Spoon and Trust Rugby International who all backed us and made this possible. We are looking to expand all over Shropshire increasing opportunities for many who would also bene?t from the #stagslife.

“We have also quali?ed for the Mixed Ability World Cup in Vitoria, Spain in August 2017 and will be running many fundraising events throughout the next 12 months to make that trip possible. Any sponsors, players or volunteers can get involved by emailing me darrenptrustrugby@gmail.com.”