Cycling from Worcester to Pamplona, Spain - in support of RoadPeace
In June 2025 Worcester Rugby Football Club (WRFC) is taking part in the International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament (IMART), taking place in Pamplona, Spain, taking both men’s and women’s squads to compete.
Three members of the Worcester squad will be making the journey there by bicycle, around 1,400 km of pedalling, and are using the once in a lifetime experience to raise awareness of the Mixed Ability Rugby movement, to inspire others to travel by bike, and to raise money for the charity RoadPeace.
Rob Collier, Steve Slawson and Dan Brothwell will set off from Worcester the week before the tournament starts, cycling to the south coast of the UK, the length of France, and finally over the northern Pyrenees before arriving in Pamplona.
As well as being members of WRFC Rob and Dan are the Secretary and Chair of local cycling advocacy group Bike Worcester, which works to enable and encourage more people to make more journeys by bike.
Rob Collier said ‘I’m really excited about the tournament and the journey there. It’s a real challenge, with multiple days of over 100 miles to cover. We’ll be carrying camping gear and our playing kit, so it will be long days in the saddle.’
Caroline Boyce-Hall of RoadPeace commented ‘We’re delighted Rob, Dan and Steve have chosen to use their fantastic trip to raise money for RoadPeace. Any funds raised will be put towards our efforts to end injury and death on our roads, and to support the victims of road violence. We wish them all the best for the trip and the tournament.’
Steve Slawson commented ‘When I heard about the plans I knew I couldn’t miss out on the challenge. I’m really looking forward to taking part in the tournament, and travelling there by bike is the cherry on the top. The mixed ability rugby team in Worcester is fantastic to be part of, providing an opportunity for all ages and abilities to take part in competitive matches, with the level of contact adjusted depending on each player’s needs.’
WRFC Mixed Ability lead Tom Reeves enthused ‘This will be the clubs 2nd time at IMART and we’re thrilled we’re taking both women’s and men’s teams. Based on the previous tournament it will be a life changing experience for the players, coaches and spectators who are travelling. For the lads to take on the challenge of travelling by bike is incredible, and shows what great guys they are looking to make the most out of this opportunity. The whole squad wishes them well, and we’re praying for no punctures or crashes as we need all three to make it to Spain for our matches!’
Dan Brothwell said ‘I love getting around Worcester on my bike, volunteering for the city Bike Buses helping children cycle to school, to work, and to the club for training, but this will be the longest ride I’ve ever done. It’s great to use the trip to support the charity RoadPeace, and all the fantastic work they do, raising awareness of road danger and supporting victims and families of road violence. A part of Bike Worcester’s advocacy work is to work to reduce road danger in and around Worcester, particularly the risks around travelling by bike.’
You can find out more about Bike Worcester’s projects around road danger here, including our most recent meeting with West Mercia Police, the PCC, and representatives from the City and County Councils.
In April Worcester was the host city for Global Bike Bus Summit, bringing together Bike Bus organisations from around the world along with health and wellbeing professionals and representatives from local authorities across the UK.
You can donate to fundraiser here. All money raised will be donated to RoadPeace.
About RoadPeace
RoadPeace is the national charity for road crash victims in the UK. We provide information and support services to people bereaved or seriously injured in road crashes and engage in evidence-based policy and campaigning work to fight for justice for victims and reduce road danger.
Founded in 1992 by Brigitte Chaudhry MBE (MBE awarded in 2003 for her pioneering work for road crash victims), a bereaved mother whose son was killed by a red light offender, we are a membership organisation whose work is informed by the needs and experiences of road crash victims. RoadPeace is governed by a board of trustees, has a small staff team and a network of active members and volunteers.
Our vision is for a world where road danger is not tolerated and where road crash victims receive justice and compassion.
About Worcester Rugby Football Club
Worcester Rugby Football Club is dedicated to providing an environment for people of all ages and abilities to take part in the game we love. We pride ourselves on our inclusive culture, and have teams suitable for every group and ability for those wanting to learn, develop and play in a safe and supportive environment. Teams include children’s rugby for boys and girls from under 6 to colts, senior men’s and women’s teams, social and veterans teams, mixed ability teams, and walking rugby, and touch rugby. We also support volunteers to develop as team managers, coaches, first aiders and referees, with RFU training available.
About Mixed Ability Rugby
Mixed ability (MA) rugby is simply that; a game of rugby with players of mixed abilities. Able bodied, beginners, those returning to the sport, players with injuries, and those with physical or mental barriers or disabilities, all playing in the same matches. With a few minor exceptions it’s the same game as played at all levels, but with more smiles and where everyone is included.
The men’s MA team at Worcester has been running since 2016, winning numerous awards along the way. In 2022 Worcester Rugby Football Club (WRFC) launched the first women’s MA team in the UK, who now compete against sides from Bath, Stafford, Newport, and Llanelli.
About IMART
IMART 2025 will be held in the beautiful capital of Navarra, Pamplona, between 22–27 June. With over 1200 players from 13 nations (and counting!), plus a week of games, Mixed Ability sports, workshops and cultural and social events, it promises to be quite a spectacle.
Mixed Ability Rugby has the potential to inspire a radical change in the way we consider sport participation and social inclusion, setting a proven model for many other disciplines to follow.
IMART 2025 | International Mixed Ability Rugby Tournament
