The Leicester Tiger, capped 18 times since making his international debut back in February 2008 against France, will be there to welcome players, particularly in the 16 to 24 age group, who have stopped playing in recent years but are itching to give their boots an airing once more.
One of the fastest breakaway forwards in world rugby Croft’s career has encompassed all levels of the sport since at age 11 he joined Newbury RFC. Still only 24, he has already reached the heights in his professional career but recognises that local clubs are the bedrock of the sport and provide healthy leisure and loads of enjoyment.
Says Tom, “If you’ve enjoyed playing the game at school or were a member of a local club and regret having given the game up then come along to Oakmeadians on Sunday.
“The obvious health benefit of playing any sport is massive but playing a game like rugby union is not just about the physical side on the pitch but also about the camaraderie away from it.
“Not everyone can play at the highest level but at club level you can get out on the pitch on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon with your mates for a couple of hours before enjoying yourselves together afterwards. So come on down to Oakmeadians and have some fun with me and everyone else and rekindle your passion for the game.”
The O2 Rugby Reunion initiative has also got the thumbs up from 2003 England World Cup winning hero and former Bath and current London Irish attack coach Mike Catt who says, “I truly believe in the importance of keeping young players in the game. Rugby is a fun, sociable sport for players and fans alike and I hope that through O2 Rugby Reunion more players can reunite with their old team mates and rediscover their love of the game.”
O2 Rugby Reunion is part of the RFU’s Play On campaign sponsored by O2 and supported by a network of O2 Pathfinders, over 1600 volunteers who connect players with clubs across the country.
Dorset RFU Rugby Development Officer Hamish Morton says, “The O2 Rugby Reunion at Oakmeadians promises to be a tremendous day for everybody who turns up. We’ll be playing touch rugby which allows players to keep in touch through a fun version of the game.”
O2 Rugby Reunion finale is at Kneller Hall, Twickenham on September 5, 2010. The culmination of this summer’s O2 Rugby Reunion regional events, “The Big One” offers rugby players from across the UK the chance to play in a national final and meet members of the England Rugby Squad. “The Big One” at Kneller Hall is followed by the Women’s Rugby World Cup final just across the road at The Twickenham Stoop.
So why not link up with old team mates and enter a team immediately by visiting the 02’s facebook page:- www.facebook.com/o2ukofficial