Brian, 75, is oldest rugby union player TRY HARD
BRITAIN’S oldest rugby union player is still putting in the tackles at 75, and wants to carry on into his 80s.
Brian Sampson has been playing the game for 56 seasons and has turned out for Oakham RFC for the past 34 years. The grandad made his first-team debut in 1966 and is nearing 2,000 games for his Rutland-based side. He says his experience makes up for lack of speed. The OAP, three times the age of most players, says his secret to keeping match fit is a post-match pint of orange squash mixed with an energy drink. Brian, who lives near the club, used to play full-back and is now in the second row. The dad-of-two celebrated his 75th birthday on November 5, making him the UK’s oldest amateur player. He said: “Some people think it’s a bit weird but I love it and it keeps me young. I’ve had a few things said, but opponents are usually quite nice. “I enjoy the interaction – the next oldest player in our team is 30 and the youngest is 18. I won’t go on for ever but I don’t know when I’ll stop. All I’m thinking about is next Saturday’s game.”