5 rugby legends who surprised everyone by playing for non-league clubs

Imagine rocking up to play your first game of competitive club rugby in close to 18 months and finding yourself lining up against a two-time World Cup winner.

The most recent example was when the players of Pontarddulais RFC at the weekend when they took on local rivals Hendy RFC in the WRU Plate in August 2021, as reported by Wales Online.

There, in the opposition ranks, was none other than All Blacks great Ben Franks, a man who lifted the Webb Ellis trophy in both 2011 and 2015.

(Image: Picture courtesy of Hendy RFC)

Back in 2007, following New Zealand’s shock exit from the 2011 Rugby World Cup, Jerry Collins was in the UK for a while longer, so when presented with a chance to have a runout, he did so for the local club, shocking those he played with, and no doubt against.

Barnstaple RFC, whose first team play in the fifth tier of English rugby, felt the warmth of an All Black – capable of being ruthlessly aggressive on the field of play – when he donned their red colours in 2007.

This was no charity appearance, it was no promotional event, it was simply a man capped 48 times by the most dominant rugby nation on earth wishing to play and, in doing so, creating memories for some at the game’s grassroots level.

England legend and World Cup winner Mike Tindall plays a selection of matches for his local club, which close to his home. The legendary centre also does some coaching sessions with the backs when he gets the chance.

The All Black legend played a match for his childhood club Southbridge in what proved to be his final rugby appearance in late 2020, scoring 12 points for his boyhood side.

He played the full 80 minutes and scored six of his seven kicks at goal as his side beat West Melton 54-14. Following the game, Carter revealed he intends to play a bigger part at his local club moving forward.

The Wales legend made a return to Welsh rugby in 2017, coming out of retirement to play for his beloved Amman United. The former Wales and British Lions star stunned spectators as he took the field for his home town side in the National League 3 West B match against Burry Port.

He then played for them in a final at the Millenium Stadium. He's since played a further handful of games for the club.