A RUGBY league festival that allows people of all ages and abilities to play in the same match takes place in North Wales this weekend.

The International Rugby League Masters Festival will see the likes of Ireland, England, Canada and Cardiff face up against North Wales Buccaneers in an inclusive format to encourage continued participation in the sport.

The festival was due to be a companion of the Rugby League World Cup, however the plan was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions and the withdrawal of New Zealand and Australia.

Masters rugby league is a modified version of rugby league, open to players over the age of 35 and takes into account players age and physical condition.

Players have to take into account the short colour of an opposition player before making a tackle: a player aged 35 to 39 would wear white shorts which signal full-on tackles are allowed, those aged 40 to 49 wearing black shorts can also receive full-on tackle, while players aged 50 to 60 wear red shorts, which is just a ‘wrap up’ tackle, and veterans aged 60 and above or players carrying an injury wear gold shorts, which signals touch rugby only.

North Wales Buccaneers.

North Wales Buccaneers.

Each game time is limited to 60 minutes and, despite the modifications, it is a physical and fast-paced sport.

The Buccaneers, who play at Rhyl Rugby Club and Colwyn Bay Rugby Club, was set up after a conversation in a pub in 2017, when masters rugby league was growing in popularity in England. The plan was to gather ex-rugby league players and non-players in an inclusive environment in which they could enjoy rugby.

The team have trained most Saturdays since June this year with games played against GB Police and Leigh East.

Buccaneers player Christopher Rich, 44, who plays Rhyl Rugby Club’s second team, said: “Masters rugby league will give me a way to continue playing rugby and staying fit once I finally decide to hang up my union boots. Masters is social rugby and while teams are very competitive, games end with a 0-0 score, there are no cup games and you always buy your opposite number a pint after the game.

“The club is always looking for new members whether they have played rugby league or not or are returning after a long lay-off.

“We are looking to grow the sport within Wales. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and be part of a team.”

For more information about the North Wales Buccaneers and how to get involved, visit the Facebook page.