OLD Halesonians Rugby Club have seen a marked rise in uptake in recent months.

The minis and juniors have managed to recruit 70 new players since the start of September with the help of the World Cup and now have just over 250 players in total from Micros (3-6 year olds) to under-17s.

Training and games run on a weekly basis every Sunday from 10am across the rugby season.

Under 10s to under 15s also train on Wednesday nights and under 16s and under 17s Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Recently our current Colts (17-19 year olds) manager Wayne Chance, who started with the club aged 14, played in a senior team game with both of his sons; Rob (18) at scrum half and Joe (20) in the front row. Wayne has coach both of their sides at various ages through the mini and junior section and Joe, who is currently a solider in the Royal Engineers, made a special point to come home for the occasion.

Mark Jackson, club press officer, said: "We are very proud of the fact we have a long list of current and ex-players who help us in running our sessions, many of them training and playing alongside their sons and daughters.

"The club house is a busy hub on a Sunday morning and you can always find a warm cuppa or a bacon sandwich to keep the supporters going. With a range of social and fund raising events, including rugby tours, there is something for everyone; players, parents, family and friends."