Nestl Rowntree Rugby Union Club players might be feeling a bit roughed up right now - but it's all in the name of fun.

'Trees are one of only a few social rugby clubs across Yorkshire - in other words, a club that does not play in a league - and this weekend they are on tour in Limerick, Ireland.

They flew over yesterday, which just so happened to be St Patrick's Day, and after a night joining in the revelry were today set to play local team Galbally in a friendly kicking off just a few hours before England face Ireland in a Six Nations clash at Twickenham.

As such, it is unlikely to be a dry tour. "We'll probably be sinking some of the black stuff and one or two whiskies," said player Dave Matthewman, who doubles up as team manager, albeit probably not one who demands strict off-field discipline.

"It's a three-night stay and it should be fun," he said.

Enjoyment seems to be the buzzword for Nestl Rowntree.

They withdrew from league rugby about four years ago as age began to catch up with some players and the club were concerned they could not guarantee fielding a qualified front row each week - without one, teams cannot have contested scrums, which would not go down well with competition chiefs.

"As it happens, we've been okay on that front since then, but we've stuck to social rugby because it suits most of the players," added Matthewman.

The idea of amalgamating with another local club was turned down at the time and, although a few players joined York RI to continue league rugby, most stayed where they were.

"With one or two getting long in the tooth, they didn't want to commit to so many league matches on a Saturday," said Matthewman, who at 57, admits to being the longest in the tooth.

In fact, he is part of what must be one of the country's oldest front rows, alongside fellow prop Bob West, 54, and hooker Phil Bambridge, 47.

The rest of the 30-man squad bring the average age down to early to mid-30s and, despite those commitment fears, they get a team out most weekends in either friendlies or in cup competitions which they still enter.

"The set-up has worked up to now and we've a few young lads coming through as well," added Matthewman.

As such, they have not ruled out returning to the leagues - Matthewman reckons they could compete in the Yorkshire League's lower reaches - but seem to be content as they are.

Explained Matthewman: "We've thought about it maybe for next year but then we'd be another year older and we seem reasonably happy playing social rugby and (tongue in cheek) trying to enjoy it."

Updated: 11:19 Saturday, March 18, 2006