In the depths of Putney Leisure Centre, a unique sport is bubbling away—one that most locals still don’t know exists. But for the members of PURE Underwater Rugby, Thursday nights mean one thing: fins on, masks down, and full-contact competition at the bottom of a 4-metre-deep swimming pool.
PURE, short for Putney Underwater Rugby Enthusiasts, was launched in June 2013 by Oliver Kraus, Rob Bonnar and Gemma Wilts. More than a decade later, it remains the only underwater rugby club in the UK.
And now, they need new players.
The club is open to anyone who can swim. You don’t need to be super fit or experienced—just curious enough to try something different.
A sport like no other
Underwater rugby is an internationally recognised sport, originally developed in Germany in the 1960s and later adopted by the Confédération Mondiale des Activités Subaquatiques (CMAS) in 1978.
But forget about dry land and muddy pitches. In this aquatic arena, teams of six compete to score goals by plunging a saltwater-filled ball into a basket fixed to the pool floor. Players wear masks, snorkels, fins—and nerves of steel. The ball, which sinks, is passed by pushing it through the water in any direction, meaning play is fully three-dimensional.
Each game begins with players lining up at opposite ends of the pool, racing toward the ball in a breathless underwater dash. Substitutions are fast and frequent; players typically spend no more than two minutes submerged before tagging out.
Fun, fierce—and completely inclusive
PURE trains every Thursday from 9pm to 10:30pm at Putney Leisure Centre and fields a mixed-gender squad of around 20 players. Matches are played at every session, and the club regularly travels for international tournaments—including recent appearances in Wales, France, and Italy.
Despite the sport’s intense nature, the emphasis is on teamwork and accessibility. Kit is available to borrow, and the first session is free. After that, members pay either £8 per session or £60 per quarter—with no joining fee beyond a BSAC insurance membership (£18.50 per year).
The club is fully insured under the British Sub-Aqua Club, which also helped PURE get off the ground in its early days with support from Sport England.
From the pool to the pub
While competition can be fierce underwater, PURE prides itself on its social side. After every training session, players head to a local pub to decompress, share tactics, and welcome newcomers. The club also hosts regular BBQs, friendly matches, and social events.
Want to try?
If you’ve ever fancied a sport that’s part rugby, part freediving, and all adrenaline, underwater rugby might be for you.
- First session free
- Kit provided
- Open to all over 18
- Training every Thursday night in Putney
To find out more or book your place, visit the club’s website. So the only question left is—are you ready to dive in?
