England legend Mike Tindall still plays rugby for his local team aged 46
11/11/2024 08:00 AM
Even at 46, England’s 2003 World Cup-winning centre, Mike Tindall, hasn't put away his boots just yet. He's still hitting the pitch, suiting up for Minchinhampton RFC in Gloucestershire. That’s dedication!
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But Tindall isn't just reliving the glory days. He's also backing an England Rugby campaign to inspire more players to get back to their local clubs. The pandemic put grassroots rugby on pause for 18 months, and while the game's mostly back in action, research shows men’s social rugby hasn't bounced back to pre-COVID levels. Players have lost the habit, like so many athletes across the sports world.
Keeping the Love for Rugby Alive
Taking a break from his midweek training at Minchinhampton, where he sometimes slots into the 2nd or 3rd XVs, Tindall shared his passion for the sport. "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," he said.
He knows firsthand how easy it is to fall out of the routine. "After COVID, you've had a break, and it's hard to re-engage. I'd say just get back out there, see your mates, build up gradually, and throw the ball around."
Rugby’s Magic: All About Community
For Tindall, it's not just the sport but the camaraderie. "The social aspect is why we play rugby, why we get involved in our local club," he explained. "It's the end-of-season tours, the midweek curries, the post-training beers—that's what rugby is. It drives communities."
So, if you’ve been away from the game, Mike's message is clear: dust off those boots and reconnect with your rugby family!To find your nearest rugby club and 'Get Back In The Game' visit findrugby.com
Three more internationals you didn't know were still playing
#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."
#2. Phil Vickery
The World Cup-winning tighthead has played in four or five charity games this season and doesn’t appear to have lost a step.
He retired with 73 England caps and five Test appearances for the Lions, three of them against Australia in 2001 and two versus the Springboks in 2009.
Although he missed the 2003 Grand Slam campaign through injury, the 48-year-old returned to play a key role in England’s World Cup triumph in Australia and captained the side four years later during the 2007 rugby World Cup.
#3. Sean O’Brien
The former Ireland and Lions back-rower will be joined his boyhood club Tullow RFC in Division 1A of the Leinster League at the start of the 2023/24 season.
Having concluded his professional career at the end of the 2021/22 season with London Irish, the former Ireland back-rower initially faced a setback when his request to play for his hometown club was denied due to Leinster Branch player safety regulations. Consequently, he played for Naas RFC in Division 1B of the All Ireland League with hopes of eventually transferring to Tullow to compete for the Town’s Cup.
Originally anticipated to sit out two seasons from professional rugby, Leinster has granted him a dispensation, allowing him to return to competitive play for Tullow. This marks his first competitive appearance for the club since his teenage years when he moved to UCD.
Alongside his playing commitments, the ‘Tullow Tank’ has been balancing his role as Leinster’s contact skills coach, a position he took up last season.
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