The Rugby Football League’s new initiative, Play Touch Rugby League - a fast-paced, minimal-contact version of the game - is already proving popular across the country, with over 50 venues offering the programme, including the Bradford Bulls Foundation.

It is also a great alternative to the gym - participants can have fun getting fit while enjoying the excitement and camaraderie of the traditional game but without high-impact tackling.

The sport provides a superb all-body workout in only 40 minutes, with players covering over three kilometres and working at 80 per cent of their maximum heart rate throughout.

Mark Bitcon, England Rugby League national team performance manager and director of performance at Super League champions Wigan Warriors, said: “It’s an extremely beneficial way of improving and maintaining your fitness. You can cover close to two miles in a game while having fun in a friendly, social environment.

“Many professional sports teams use activities like Touch Rugby League in their pre-season and season workouts as a way of keeping fit and helping to condition their bodies. Minimal contact appeals to many players that have never played before or have left due to injury.”

Bradford Bulls Foundation will host Touch Rugby League at Odsal in March and April (dates to be confirmed), while there will also be sessions at Batley Bulldogs from April.

A competitive league has already started at Mirfield Free Grammar School on Mondays (6pm-7pm).

Contact Lee Richardson at sportscentre@themfg.co.uk or on 07805-754868 for matches there, Adam Payne at adam.payne@bradfordbulls.co.uk for Odsal.