Professional armchair rugby lessons for residents at MHA Charnwood House

Residents at MHA Charnwood House have been trying out armchair rugby lessons from professional players as part of a community initiative.

Rugby enthusiasts have been receiving lessons from Coventry Wasps academy players Olly Hartley and Kofi Kripps and members of the coaching team.

The home, which provides residential dementia care for 65 residents, will have the assistance of the club throughout May, with weekly sessions every Tuesday for 90 minutes.

The initiative is part of Coventry Building Society, the main sponsor for the Wasps ground bid to get involved within the community of Coventry and support services like social care in the town.

Dawn Hancox, home manager said: “The Coventry Wasps rugby team are working with local care homes providing physical and mental well-being activities in association with Coventry Building Society.

“Our residents are really enjoying the armchair lessons and it's great for them to take part in some exercise.

“Surprisingly our female residents are enjoying the sessions a lot more and they really look forward to the sessions.

“We will review the sessions once they have finished and will look into setting up regular sessions if it's possible.

“The players are planning on streaming a live rugby game at the home and we are looking into getting some of the residents to attend a live game at the stadium.”