Bingley-based Bumble Bees Barbarians are to play in a Three Nations Tournament next month.

The award-winning mixed ability side will face Scottish hosts The Clan and the Bumbles’ old foes Llanelli Warriors in a three-day extravaganza at Kilmarnock Rugby Club on the weekend of June 21-23.

The Scottish newcomers also feature players with autism, Asperger syndrome, Down’s syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, diabetes and learning and physical disabilities, compete in full-contact matches, and the tournament could be a precursor to matches against European teams.

For example, delegates from France and Italy will observe the annual Bumbles v Warriors ‘H-Bomb Tournament’ next March.

Coach Martino Corrazza, who is employed by the Workers’ Educational Association and is now based at the Bumbles’ HQ at Bradford & Bingley RFC at Wagon Lane, recently visited Saint-Omer in France.

He said: “We received a tremendously warm welcome in Europe, with French, Italian and Belgian teams who already work with disabled players, showing great interest in the UK model.

“There is also an open invitation to the first Daniel Dubus Rugby Sevens International Tournament in France in September, 2014.”

Corrazza, who previously coached at Chivasso Rugby in Turin, added: “The French teams are now looking to sign up to partnership with the FFR (French Rugby Federation).

“In England, the Bumbles are recognised by the Rugby Football Union, and the Warriors likewise by the Welsh Rugby Union.

“With our governing bodies’ acknowledgement and support, integrated rugby can progress and expand, giving more people with disabilities the opportunity to take part in this great contact sport.”

Meanwhile, Bradford & Bingley Sports Club, in conjunction with the Bumbles, are offering to host the first 15-a-side international mixed ability tournament to coincide with the 2015 Rugby World Cup.