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!

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.’

In April Worcester is 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.

Donations can be made to support and RoadPeace’s work via their GoFundMe page 

Updated on: 20 March 2025