OLDER rugby players proved they are not over the hill at the start of Swindon's Masters in Sport Tag Rugby sessions.

The sessions, which will be held at the Dorcan Recreation Complex every Sunday from 10am to 11.30am, are for the more mature adults.

Tag rugby is a non-contact game.

The sessions are taking place as part of the Masters in Sport programme, which aims to encourage older people to become active again.

At the first session, on Sunday, coach Graham Jackson said: "It's a fast moving game and the ball is always in play but because there is no contact older players can participate.

"It's open to anybody and women are welcome too.

"We managed to work up a good sweat today and everybody who came along enjoyed themselves."

One of the players was 38-year-old Stuart Wakely, a father-of-two and web developer of Gorse Hill. He said: "I play rugby for fun, not professionally.

"And as you get older the knocks take a lot longer to recover from.

"This game uses the same skills you still have to run and pass the ball. But without the contact it is easier."

Father-of-three Matt Henshaw, 38, a meter reader co-ordinator from Wootton Bassett, plays for rugby teams in Wootton Bassett and Cricklade.

He isn't allowed to play full contact rugby in the summer so he hopes that playing Tag Rugby means he won't lose his touch.

"It's great to be able to continue practising the basics.

"But you don't have to be a rugby player for this game. If you can sprint and catch you are half way there really."

Anyone who wants more information on tag Rugby should contact the Dorcan Recreation Complex on 01793 533 763.