The Sandal Socials are back! And what better year to dust off the boots, tighten the knee supports and question our life choices than the club’s Centenary season?

The Socials are a veterans’ rugby team for anyone over 35, or who self-identifies as being over 35, who still thinks they can play rugby or (more importantly) remembers how they used to play rugby.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a former player who thought retirement was a good idea, or someone who simply fancies giving rugby another go, you’re welcome. No matter your ability, fitness level or current relationship with your hamstrings, there’s a place for you.

This season, we already have two full-contact veterans’ matches in the diary: Huddersfield away on Friday 13th November and York away on Saturday 3rd April. We’re also planning a Centenary celebration home match, with the date and opposition still to be confirmed. There’ll be plenty of opportunities for social rugby, questionable decision-making and even more questionable attempts at tackling.

And because we believe rugby is about far more than what happens between the white lines, we’ll be making sure the social side of the Socials remains firmly on the agenda. After all, there’s nothing quite like recovering from a rugby match over a plate of tapas.

Looking further ahead, we’ll be fully partaking in the touch rugby season through summer 2027, giving those of us whose joints have officially entered their early retirement the chance to keep playing without requiring a lengthy appointment with a physiotherapist afterwards.

So, if you’re 35 or over, still have the rugby bug and have at least one functioning knee, why not get involved?

The Sandal Socials are back for the Centenary season.

Come for the rugby. Stay for the tapas. Blame the knees.

All abilities welcome.

Please contact Karl Stringer for more information
karl.stringer@hotmail.co.uk