Players return to Dagenham for vets rugby
Dagenham RUFC’s newly formed veterans side has attracted old and new players to dust off their boots.
Following the coronavirus pandemic, Dagenham saw a dip in playing numbers which forced them to merge their 2nd and 3rd XV teams.
The 3rd XV consisted of players averaging 30+ years of age who enjoyed social, light-hearted rugby without commitment. However, the merger and the competitiveness of the leagues opposition lead to more and more players being put off from playing.
That was until the middle of the 2022 season, when a weekend with no planned fixtures rolled around. Local rivals Romford veterans also found themselves without a game so a plan was hatched.
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Dagenham's captain Mark Newson said: “We had an idea of setting up a true, social, over 35’s game and it attracted a lot of interest.
“We had players who usually play 2nd team, some from the old pre-covid 3rd team, players who had not played in many years and some local over 35’s who had never played for the club before. Whilst the result was very one-sided the game was a great success.
“After the game we had a few beers and watched the Scotland v England game. Many old friendships were rekindled with players who had not been at the club for over 20 years.”
Following the success of their first game, Dagenham decided to arrange a second later in the season. Heading into the 2022/23 season, the team officially named themselves ‘The Desperados’ and organised a number of fixtures on weeks when the club’s 2nd team were without a game.
Mark added: “Each game has brought good numbers of players back the club and back playing the game we love. Some players who have moved away from the area are enticed back for a runout, trying to recreate their glory days.
“One fixture against local club Campion RFC as a curtain-raiser to the 1st XV game was perfect with both sets of Vets able to stay after to enjoy a beer in the sun and cheer on their respective teams.”
Since their inception, The Desperados have attracted 15 new players, with numbers still growing. Mark hopes that the team’s successes will inspire others to dust off their old boots and return to the pitch.
Mark said: “We have also seen a trend in Essex of other clubs getting Vets teams up and running for those players who want to play a real social game of rugby once a month or so. It’s great to get adult men back playing and of course it helps the bar takings as well.”
