Peter Bradshaw, 47, Charlie Walker, 48, and Ron White, 54, all started their careers with Ossett RUFC in the 1970s, and have seen the game - and their town - change with the times.

With all three still finding themselves part of team plans for this season, they can now say they have played for the club in five different decades.

Mr Bradshaw, of Prospect Road, was right in the thick of it to help the team triumph against Hornsea RUFC earlier this month, 31 years after his first match in 1979.

He said: "I absolutely love the game - it's the first thing I wake up thinking about.

"The sport has moved on a lot, it's a totally different game now really. But it's a massive part of my life and I can never wait for the weekend to come around."

Mr Bradshaw, who has lived in Ossett all his life, said his work, doing house removals, has helped him stay fit.

He said: "I'd love to keep playing into my 60s, but I'm sure that won't happen.

"Ron is 54 though and is one of the fittest
at the club, so who knows."

The club, which is based at Ossett Cricket Club, frequently hosts social
events to keep the team close.

Last Saturday, a race night helped to raise £500 towards running costs.

Mr Bradshaw said: "The club is very family orientated, and the social aspects help to keep everyone together.

"There are a lot of older players left at the club. When someone joins, we normally keep them."

Mr Bradshaw plays second row, Mr Walker plays prop forward and Mr White
plays lock forward.

The three stalwarts were given commemorative caps for their service to the club.

Jeremy Broadhead, second team captain, said: "This is a remarkable achievement given that all three have to endure the rigors of forward play week-in week-out.

"It's a great show of commitment and we're honoured to have them at the
club."

Records for Ossett RUFC date back to the 1890s, when they won the Yorkshire Challenge Cup.

The outbreak of the Second World War caused the club to collapse, but it
reformed in 1979.