Go play! Brian is back in the fold

THE RUGBY World Cup kicks off in France this week, with the likes of New Zealand and Australia looking to snatch away England's crown.

Closer to home, the RFU is trying to get more people playing rugby, and has launched the GoPlayRugby campaign.

This is aimed primarily at 16-30-year-olds who have drifted away from the game, or who are new to the sport.

One such player is Royston's Brian Bergin. He took up rugby for the first time last year, and played a starring role for the second team and the veterans, being named ­veterans player of the year.

Brian said: "I'd only played as part of general PE lessons. I had a bad experience though as I went into one tackle and come out of it slightly worse for wear.

"Unfortunately, that was the end of my brief foray into the sport.

"The reason that I have only just taken up the game is that I was looking for a way to keep fit.

"I enjoy running, but was bored with the gym environment.

"I'd always enjoyed both team and physical sport, so I thought that I'd come over for a bit of ­training, and before I knew it I was invited to play in a game."

Brian says the atmosphere in the dressing room at Royston is second to none.

"The spirit within the vets is good and they have made me feel welcome as the new boy.

"It's good that there is such an age group, and difference in personalities that combine so well and get on with each other," he said.

GoPlayRugby is aiming to recruit 160 players across Hertfordshire, and around 6000 nationwide, through events at local clubs and a high profile marketing campaign.

For more information visit www.rfu.com/goplayrugby/.