Rugby League’s ‘Return to Play’ continues this month with the return of Masters Rugby League, the social form of the game for men aged 35 and over and women aged 30 and over.

Masters is a modified version of Rugby League, where the level physical contact depends on a player’s age (indicated by shorts colour), and where the emphasis is on having fun and making friends on and off the pitch.

More than 50 clubs across the country are gearing up for their first fixtures in 14 months at the end of May. Despite the long absence, no fewer than seven new teams have registered to play Masters for the first time in 2021 and more than 200 people will enjoy Masters for the very first time.

Getting involved is easy – simply visit mastersrugbyleague.org.uk or email info@mastersrugbyleague.org.uk for more information about your nearest club, or to start up your own team.

Masters Chair, Martin Flynn, says: “We’ve been missing Masters RL and the camaraderie it brings for just over a year. For many of us it’s been the first time in decades that we haven’t been involved in a game of Rugby League for such a long time.

“Like me, I guess every Masters player is desperate to get back on the field and into the clubhouse with friends from all corners of the country. We just need to be patient for a few more weeks, follow the protocols and guidance and we should be good to go. I can’t wait!

“Masters is open to all abilities and offers fantastic opportunities to keep fit and make friends. With 200 new players registered for 2021 that’s potentially 200 new mates. Whatever the score, the final result of all Masters games is registered as 0-0, with the off-field socialising just as important as the on-field game.

“Then there are RLWC2021 Masters festivals to look forward this year, in addition to the club games and September’s National Festival in Blackpool.”

Masters Rugby League is part of the wider social Rugby League family, which also includes Touch, Try Tag and X-League.

Come along to your local club and give Masters a try.