At the age of 43, Mike Tindall, the former World Cup winner, continues to lace up his boots and actively participates in the game for Minchinhampton RFC in Gloucestershire.
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This England rugby legend is also lending his support to an England Rugby campaign aimed at encouraging more players to return to the sport.
The pandemic caused a significant disruption to grassroots fifteen-a-side rugby, resulting in an 18-month hiatus. Although much of the sport has resumed its normal operations, research indicates that social players in men’s rugby have not returned to their pre-COVID levels. Similar to athletes in other sports, some rugby players have lost the habit of representing their local teams every weekend.
As he prepared for a midweek training session at Minchinhampton, where he occasionally takes the field for the 2nd and 3rd XVs, Mike expressed his thoughts: “It’s important that we try to get more people back at clubs. It’s such a great game and the values are so good.
“You can fall into not playing after covid, because you’ve had a break and it’s then hard to re-engage. I’d say just get back out there, go and see your mates, build up gradually and throw the ball around.”
“The social aspect is why we play rugby, why we get involved in our local club, it’s the end of season tours, the midweek curries, the post-training beers, that’s what rugby is, it drives communities,” said Mike.
To find your nearest rugby club and ‘Get Back In The Game’ visit findrugby.com
5 more internationals you didn’t know were still playing, including Stuart Hogg
#1. Ma’a Nonu
In a sensational move, two-time Rugby World Cup champion Nonu has inked a new contract with San Diego Legion that paves the way for his illustrious career to stride into 2024.
Although it’s been since 2015 that Nonu showcased his skills in the iconic black jersey, the 41-year-old maestro remains resolute in prolonging his playing journey, proving age is just a number for this All Blacks legend.
He’s the only player who appeared at the 2003 Rugby World Cup to be still playing professional.
“The Legend is back for another year,” head coach and director of rugby Danny Lee said in a statement confirming Nonu’s signing.
“We are thrilled to have Ma’a back for the 2024 MLR season after an outstanding 2023. Ma’a had a major influence on our team last season on and off the field and was a major factor in us having a very successful season, playing in the MLR final and us breaking Club and League records along the way. We go again.”