Huddersfield Rugby League Masters – a team made up of players over the age of 35 – are gearing up for the new season.
The team was formed several years ago and was run by former Fartown favourite Tony Johnson before he handed over the reins to Matt Oldfield.
The side has seen several ex-players taking part in matches including the St Hilaire brothers, Damon Scholes, Kev Hawkyard and Chris Thorman. They also have many ex-pros from other clubs turning out.
Masters games are for players over 35 years of age who still want to keep fit and active by playing the game they love. Players are required to wear different coloured shorts to show their age and ability – black, white, red, gold or green. These warning signals are also there to protect players from contact injuries.
Huddersfield Masters have been based at several different grounds over the years and this year their home ground is Newsome Panthers ARLFC. The Masters team have a full fixture list for 2021 playing the likes of Siddal Masters, Underbank and Thornhill.
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Games will be played under Covid protocol and RFL guidelines to keep everyone as safe as possible.
Masters’ rugby is all about playing within the spirit of the game and though tries and points are scored the result always finishes nil-nil. However, matches are still played to a high standard and even Yorkshire, England and GB honours can be earned.
Matt Oldfield is a current England player and David Oates has been picked in the past. Steve Hutton is a current Yorkshire representative. The team have secured sponsorship from the Huddersfield RL Players Association.
Main image by: David A Calverley
