We want you to get to know our players, why they play, what they love, what they’re not into, and why MAR is just the perfect fit for them. Click on a name below to go to their profile.
Pesto
How long have you been involved in MAR?
3+ years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
- Because of injury
- Because of disability (visible or non-visible)
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
I would never have had the opportunity to play internationally or in such incredibly welcoming teams without MAR. The community is so strong among all the teams we play in the MAR world.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
I play “standard” rugby as well, but due to my brain injury, I often struggle remembering new plays and strategies. MAR gives all the players more time and a more consistent approach to learning, allowing everyone to reach their best selves. I also love that my MAR family understands that sometimes, even in the joy after a big win, some people might need a few minutes of quiet to settle their minds. There has never been a question of why they aren’t joining the cheers, just an acknowledgement that you’re ok and can come back when you feel ready.
Elijah
How long have you been involved in MAR?
1-3 years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To play rugby in a more inclusive environment
- To build or rebuild confidence
- Because I like having extra support
- Because of disability (visible or non-visible)
- Because of anxiety
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
An environment where I can be myself, where my disabilities/challenges are not seen as a barrier, but make me the player I am.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Without MAR, I don’t think I would have ever had the courage to pick up a ball. It is now one of the most comfortable and safe environments for me in my life. Not only having an environment where I can be myself, stim and not worry as much, but also having sport as a release has improved my struggles and meltdowns in the rest of my life.
Bucky
How long have you been involved in MAR?
1-3 years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
This club came at a time I really needed it. I’ve made such a strong group of mates that they feel like family. It’s opened up so many opportunities for me, too.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
I’m not the most confident rugby player, so this team is perfect as you can still play proper rugby, without the pressures of first/second team rugby.
Jason
How long have you been involved in MAR?
1-3 years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
- Because of health
- Because of anxiety
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
No pressure to play or to perform to win at all costs.
It has allowed me to be able to make friends who have now become an extension of our family for support and guidance. Has allowed me a better understanding that disability is not just the physical side of things, it is the mental side of it all. MAR has been able to teach me that every person in life has different ways of dealing with things, and that each individual has a different path they walk, and it’s something I never considered till I joined MAR. It has taught me that regardless of disability, background and gender (LGBTQ+), people are amazing and brilliant to get to know and learn about in the different types of backgrounds people live. It’s what I enjoy about MAR, with how inclusive it is.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
I suffer with anxiety and depression. There will be days that I don’t want to get out of bed or even leave the house because of my depression, but my weight can also cause my anxiety to flare up very badly.
I lost the love to play rugby when I was about 20 and by the age of 23 had completely taken myself out of rugby altogether. The pressure of playing top end rugby took its toll on my mental health, and I couldn’t hack it anymore.
My partner pushed me to join MAR for a number of years, but I kept putting it off, saying I’m not good enough or my weight would count against me, but it took a really bad job and my son (at the time 8 years old who has ADHD & autism), who wanted to quit rugby. So I took the plunge and showed his son that his old man still has what it takes to play rugby.
I’m glad I did as MAR has built my confidence back, but they have been so accepting of me (regardless of size or disability). I have made lifelong friends and family that I never thought I could have, which has provided me with a safe place to open up about my needs for help. MAR has given me a better understanding of how to deal with challenges, as well as tools to become a better father to my 3 children and also a better partner.
I am so grateful for MAR, and I hope I can provide the same support, help and guidance to those currently in our squad/family and to those who will join us because it’s not just a rugby team you are joining. It’s a community of incredible people whom I can call family.
Nathan
How long have you been involved in MAR?
1-3 years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To play rugby in a more inclusive environment
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because of disability (visible or non-visible)
- Because of anxiety
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
Having the chance to play rugby with out feeling left out with having a disability
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
With thinking why you’re playing rugby with a disability and thinking you’re not worthy to play with a disability
Peggles
How long have you been involved in MAR?
3+ years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To play rugby in a more inclusive environment
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
- Because I like having extra support
- Because of anxiety
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Inclusion
Zack Fisher
How long have you been involved in MAR?
3+ years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To help others improve and make rugby accessible for more people
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
It gave me responsibility and allow me to improve and hone my coaching skills.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Due to playing rugby in the club since I was 8 and playing senior rugby, I looked at playing a higher level, so not sure why I would play.
Ben
How long have you been involved in MAR?
3+ years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because of my age
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
MAR gives me access to play rugby in a non intimidating environment. I’ve always wanted to play rugby but felt I’d left it too late. Not only have I found a team I’ve also found a family. Our team and players mean the world to me.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Before I started playing rugby I was in a very dark place. Heavily medicated on antidepressants and going nowhere. I saw that longlevens had a MAR team on line and got in touch. It was a massive step for me to take and filled me full of dread. But with encouragement from my wife I went for it. The best thing I’ve ever done!! I got off the medication and started to feel like me again. And now I’m a world cup winning captain!!! Something I never thought would be on my radar. The players and coaches have given me so much. I hope I give back by listening, encouraging and understanding
Shane
How long have you been involved in MAR?
3+ years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because it suited where I was in my rugby journey
- Because of my age
- To help others be able to play the game
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
Due to a negative school experience with rugby, I didn’t start playing senior rugby until my mid-30s, when most people were retiring. I played in a cup run followed by a full season at another local club before joining the men’s MAR team at Longlevens. The idea and ethos appealed to me at the position I was in – wanting to play rugby but recognising that my age/fitness levels weren’t ideally suited to my aspirations! However, MAR has given me so many fantastic opportunities and memories, which I intend to keep building.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
Although I am a very competitive individual, the concept of MAR being enjoyment for all on (and off) the pitch has shown me the power of inclusion. I have learnt a lot, and continue to learn about how to integrate with a wider range of diverse personalities, which I would not have done without MAR and find their stories inspiring. I enjoy working to try and develop the team and individuals who would not have had the chance to play rugby without MAR.
Joe
How long have you been involved in MAR?
New this season
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because of disability (visible or non-visible)
- Because of health
- Because of anxiety
- Because of my age
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
No pressure with having to commit to every session and games.
Sam
How long have you been involved in MAR?
3+ years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- For the social or community side of rugby
- Because of disability (visible or non-visible)
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
The social side of things after the game we’d all have a beer and also inclusive no matter your ability or weather you have a disability they adapt the sport for anyone and it is amazing to be able to play rugby with an amazing group of lads.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
MAR came at the right time as I wanted to get involved in a team sport rugby was always the first option for me then I found Longlevens MAR and haven’t looked back. It has also given me the chance to go to different countries for the mixed ability World Cup unfortunately due to injures I haven’t been able to play in a mixed ability World Cup yet but hopefully I’ll be able to play in the next one. I made so many friends within this team and i love the fact that it centres around inclusivity.
Big Z
How long have you been involved in MAR?
1-3 years
Why did you chose to play MAR?
- To build or rebuild confidence
- Because of health
- Because of anxiety
- Because of my age
What does MAR give you that other forms of rugby wouldn’t or didn’t?
It gave me the opportunity to learn how to play rugby at 43 years old and to make friends that are like an extended family, a safe, inclusive and friendly space to be myself and work on myself, physically and mentally.
What might people not see or understand about why MAR is right for you?
MAR is right for me because of a few things, My age and lack of experience and rugby knowledge.
Being diagnosed with Liver cirrhosis and having to change my whole lifestyle and make health concious changes to try and preserve the good liver I have left.
Helping build my self esteem and confidence which helps battle my anxiety and depression that I’ve suffered with.
MAR is truly the most inclusive and accepting group of people from all different backrounds and life experiences that has helped me feel part of the family and I LOVE IT!
Longlevens Mixed Ability Rugby Homepage 