Since the pandemic, grass roots rugby has suffered in many ways, funding, recruitment, volunteering, loss of revenue/grounds and as a consequence many former players have drifted away from the game. This lost sense of community and comradeship impacts everyone, not just individuals.

Rugby Union has, uniquely amongst team sports, always played an outsized role in developing communities and binding people together.

It is a global ecosystem and network that any player can tap into wherever they find themselves.

Coincidentally, both Orrell and Ormskirk RUFC were founded in 1927 and have been a huge part of both communities ever since.

As both Clubs move towards their Centenary Year, the proposed Vets game is a way to reconnect old friends and provide a sense of community through a fun but competitive game of old boys rugby; which we hope will continue for the next 100 years.