Military veterans get together for rugby game at AJ Bell Stadium

Local military veterans joined forces with 26 other veterans from all three services, representing appropriately 15 masters clubs throughout the UK, including Rochdale Masters

Military veterans – including four from Rochdale – came together on Armed Forces Day (Saturday 24 June) to enjoy a game of masters rugby at Salford’s AJ Bell Stadium.

With so many military veterans playing the sport, it’s only right that Armed Forces Day be chosen as another event in the military calendar to be commemorated with a fixture.  

Four military veterans from Rochdale joined forces with 26 other veterans from all three services, representing appropriately 15 masters clubs throughout the UK, playing before Salford Red Devils’ home Super League clash with Wigan Warriors.

Rochdale Masters head coach Carl Abrahams said: “A massive thank you goes to Roy Thickett of Bury Broncos Masters for sourcing the opportunity for us to be part of such amazing event.

“A massive thanks also goes to Revilo Automotive/Alexander Khan PLC for their continuous support in providing the playing shirts that the veterans get to don at each meeting and Get Together After Serving CIC/The Veterans Garage for their generous offer in after match presentations and match ball sponsorships.

“The shirts and teamwear are available to purchase via www.stag-sports.com with a donation from each sale price going to a military charity chosen by the veterans.

“All veterans are invited to get involved in any of our veterans’ masters get-togethers with no selection process in place.”

The veterans committee, led by Carl, is always looking to showcase masters on the biggest stage with the next planned Veterans Masters get together being 11 November at the home of Rochdale Mayfield ARLFC in the annual fixture to commemorate Remembrance Day.

Planning will commence in the next few weeks as the team look to make the event bigger and better to give the special day the respect it deserves.

Rochdale Masters is an amateur rugby team for men aged 35 or over. Officially, there are no winners in the masters games as the game focuses on playing in great spirit.