We, in the rugby fraternity are all too aware of the many mantras of the game…..’the bigger they come, the harder they fall’, ‘the more we sweat at training, the less we bleed on the pitch’ and ‘forwards win games, backs determine by how much’ to name but a few. A favourite of the Relics (and it turns out a number of other vets teams) seems to be ‘the older we get, the better we were’. Read more

Relics rugby is an interesting beast, not usually played by those that are novice to the sport as can be the way in some senior teams, but by those whose minds and spirits are willing but whose bodies are showing the signs of some weathering from their years on the pitch and in the bar. Relics rugby has the added bonus that there are no leagues or season long trophies to be concerned with and as such, the game is played with a freeness and expression that draws people to the game regardless of age.

Meeting a few months ago, a self-proclaimed ‘Chester Relics Committee/Task Force’ set about identifying what was required to bolster the rugby offering for Relics. Was it just for a catch up with old team mates and adversaries alike? Was it an excuse to pull on the boots ‘one last time’ or was there a deeper yearning that we were wanting to satisfy. In reality, it was little bit of all of them and we left the meeting with a general consensus that the reason we knew each other was through playing our beautiful game and while there is still a hunger and provision to play, more regular rugby for this group would be the ultimate aim.

With the latest revelations regarding tackle height being imposed globally across all age groups, there have been a number of articles highlighting that vets rugby may suffer more than other participation groups and while this article may not be the forum to discuss the various issues and concerns that many have, it is certainly something to be aware of. That said, let’s all enjoy playing rugby as it currently stands

With this in mind, we look forward to a number of fixtures over the coming months, culminating in a charity game against a Looseheadz Barbarians XV at the end of April. With a brand of rugby that is free of the shackles of the overcoached, whilst still expressing the flair and approach that we wish we’d had in earlier years, if any players, old and new would like to strap on those boots, feel free to get in touch with one of the various task force, sorry, committee members!