Call them old at your own peril. While their reflexes may be a touch slower and their strides less powerful than in their heyday, these veterans of the game would still leave you amazed with their extraordinary zeal.
That's actually what the Dubai Rugby Sevens represents for them – the opportunity to turn back the clock. And they make the most of each and every second of the 20 minutes that they are out there.
"Once you have played a lot, when you get to a certain age you miss it," said Chris Matthews of the AGRFU Legends, who competed in the International Vets category – a competition for players over 35.
According to the 42-year-old Bahrain resident, there is no substitute for rugby. "I've tried it all. I tried tennis for a while but it's just not the same."
Which is why, he explained, "a lot of the guys come out of retirement to play for one or two weeks in a year. It makes you wish you were young again."
The Legends are just a year old and comprise former expat players from the Gulf countries who have donned the Arabian Gulf colours in the recent past. For Matthews, the reunion with old friends is just as special as the chance to play rugby. "The rugby community in these parts is quite small so you know a lot of people. And it's great to see everyone you haven't met in a long time."
His Dubai-based teammate Pete Stapley agreed. "You see guys whom you have either played with or against in the past as you tend to make some fantastic friendships over the years," said the former Dubai Exiles player.
Both Stapley and Matthews appreciate the platform which the Dubai Sevens gives them each year. "It's the only tournament in the world where junior players and others play on the same pitch as the pros. That's why it's so special for me anyway, and it shows in the atmosphere," said Matthews.
But the fact that the veterans play 10-a-side in contrast to other competitions at the Dubai Sevens is something else Matthews appreciates about the event. "It's a lot easier on the lungs for us older guys," he said.
Action 7 speak louder than words
Any player of any team that competes at the Dubai Sevens has but one dream, to play on the main pitch. Action 7 were a step away from doing that in the International Social competition last year but failed in their quest. This year though, they ensured the outcome was different in the best possible way as they not only reached the final but went on to win the all-important game beating Phoenix Legion 22-12.
As the players descended from the presentation area after collecting their reward, the smiles on their faces reflected what the moment meant to them.
"Last year we got to the semi-final and didn't get to play on the main pitch. So to go one step further is fantastic," said captain Peter Ince.
The core of the side hail from the north-west of England and at least half of the team is made up of semi-professional players, Ince said. Even then, he admitted the magnitude of the occasion was not easy to handle. "This place is just going to get better. It's the biggest crowd any of the lads have played in front of so it was a bit nerve-racking. But it's a moment you'll remember for the rest of your lives," he said.
