Rugby seen as answer to fitness problems

People in the city die on average three years earlier than other parts of the country and heart disease is the largest single cause of death.

Six weeks of sessions at East Park start next Wednesday – and the organisers say they are open to everyone, regardless of their ability.

Touch rugby is a non-contact form of the game that allows players to experience the pleasure of rugby without the tough physical contact.

“It may be of interest to people who thought their rugby playing days were behind them,” said Andy Mckee of Hull Council’s sports development team, which has teamed up with the Rugby Football League to organise the scheme.

“It’s also a way of helping to keep people active and giving them the opportunity to take part in new and exciting activities.”

The Hearty Lives Hull project is part of a three-year partnership between the British Heart Foundation, NHS Hull and Hull Council.

Walking and jogging groups are being set up across the city and organisers are planning specialised sessions for target groups.

The city has the 10th highest rate of deaths from heart disease for women in England and three-fifths of the adult population do less than 30 minutes’ physical activity in four weeks.

Whilst death rates from heart disease are falling, they are doing so at a slower rate than the rest of England, especially for women.

Heart failure costs the NHS in England and Wales about £600m a year, accounting for more than a quarter of a million hospital deaths and discharges in 2006-7.

People need to be sixteen or over to take part.

Anyone wanting to join in is asked meet at the main field of the park near the principal entrance gates before 6.30pm next Wednesday.