Harlequins Rugby League are looking to start a Masters team for all men aged over 35 and are recruiting players.

"I could have played stand off for Great Britain; if I could only pass, catch and tackle!"
Does this sound familiar?

Did you miss your chance to play for a Super League club and have the chance to win representative honours?

Well fear not, Harlequins Rugby league club are looking to start a master’s team for anyone over 35 years of age and are currently recruiting players.
The team will look to play out of Richmond College and play teams from around London.

Masters Rugby League can only be played by persons aged 35 or over, is strictly a social version of the sport and the rules are slightly modified to cater for the more mature player. There are no winners, no champions and no cup finals. It is all in the spirit of the game rather proving a point or settling a score. The most important rule is “Everyone has to buy a drink for their opposite number”. Masters is all about Fun, Participation and Friendship

Its 13-a-side contact rugby league however some rule modifications changes include:
• 5m rule instead of 10m
• Different coloured shorts for different age groups and the rules, plus players awareness during the game, are adapted accordingly. Tackles are modified according to age:  

Other rules include
• White and Black short players tend to tackle each other normally
• Red short players must be physically stopped and held. On defence, red short players must make a definite 2 handed hold on the attacker
• Gold Short Players to tackle or be tackled need to just touch i.e. no tackling
• No more than 2 players allowed in any tackle and no fending/handoffs
• Once progress has stopped, players are preferred to succumb
• Rough and over vigorous play is not condoned; safety (to old bones) is paramount
• Passive scrums happen after nearly all infringements and turnovers
• 1 marker and dummy half/acting half back must pass
• Kicks only allowed on the last tackle
• 25 minutes each way with unlimited interchange
• No coach required, just a team captain who acts as the point of contact.
• Fixtures for the 2008 Masters season will be played from May-August.

If you are interested in playing or have any questions about Masters Rugby league please email Chris Baxter on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it