When you tell your wife, “Honey, I’m going to start playing rugby!”, the only things she sees are: practices, dirty clothes, black eyes, and most importantly, weekends alone on the couch waiting for her man to come back from long trips. That’s why “leisure rugby” was invented! It won’t change anything regarding practices and dirty clothes, but at least this “breed” of rugby players keeps their weekends free and mostly avoids black eyes! So if your family life or job prevents you from competing, “leisure rugby” is the perfect solution!
What is “leisure rugby”? It is primarily a contact sport that brings together all generations from all walks of life to play rugby. It allows you to play the sport for leisure and enjoyment without the constraints of competition. The rules are slightly different and adapted to all levels. This way, the game is less harsh and more enjoyable for everyone.
The Ciappacan
For about a dozen years in Nice, “leisure rugby” has been the domain of the Ciappacan. It’s a group of friends, passionate about rugby and amateurs (or even professionals) of the third half. Fifty warriors aged 18 to 60, ready to play rugby, but only for fun. Among them, there are mainly two profiles: former players who want to continue playing without the constraints of high-level competition, and beginners, either discovering rugby or having played the sport in their distant university years. This whole crew comes to play on Tuesday and Friday evenings, from 8 PM to 10 PM at the Arboras stadium in Nice. And all this without taking themselves too seriously.
The Ciappatournament
For the 6th consecutive year, the Ciappacan will organize their “leisure rugby” tournament. Next June 9th, about ten teams will compete at the Arboras stadium, in the usual good humor. The finale of the Top 14 will also be broadcast on a giant screen, so all rugby fans won’t miss a thing. The day will end on a musical note, with live bands and a DJ.
Leisure Rugby for Beginners
On the field, the rules are relaxed and simplified. These modifications help ensure participants’ safety and enjoyment. The main differences lie in simulated scrums and non-contested rucks to avoid neck injuries. Also, forget about your failing lungs and “almost” perfect endurance: substitutions are free and unlimited! Likewise, if you don’t have the kicking skills of Dan Carter or Jonny Wilkinson, it’s not a problem, as kicks are only allowed within the 22 meters.
For insurance reasons, all players must have a “leisure rugby” license, issued by the French Rugby Federation (FFR Loisir) or other recognized bodies (UFAR, FSGT). These leisure licenses only allow participation in trainings, friendly matches, and “leisure rugby” tournaments against other license holders.
Clubs in the Region
Of course, the Ciappacan are not the only ones practicing “leisure rugby”. Several teams exist in the region, notably in Grasse, Saint-Laurent-du-Var, Mandelieu, Menton… and even in the Var (for example in La Seyne-sur-Mer, Six-Fours-les-Plages, and Fayence).
Corporations are not left out: Single Buoy Mooring, Gazelec/EDF, and Thalès, among others, already have their teams.
