Masters Rugby League has enjoyed a successful 2012 with 50 festivals held across the country encouraging an increasing number of over 35s to return to the sport.

Masters is a social version of Rugby League for players aged over 35 that have retired from regular competition and the rules are slightly modified to cater for the older player.

There are no winners, no champions and no cup finals. Masters is about is the spirit of the game and the most important rule is that everyone has to buy a drink for their opposite number.

RFL Director of Participation David Gent said: “It’s great to see Masters continuing to go from strength with more and more players returning to play Rugby League.

“The 2012 season started in March and was scheduled to end in September but only finished on December 8 because the players were enjoying themselves so much.

“This year we’ve seen new clubs playing in Leyland, Chorley, Sussex and North Derbyshire, a successful taster game held in West Midlands with six clubs attending as well as record sized festivals at Crosfields and Blackpool.

“Masters is now being played from Whitehaven to Gillingham with clubs seeing increased bar takings with Masters games and some Conference League clubs playing Masters games to coincide with league fixtures.”

For more information on Masters Rugby League and to see the full rules visit: http://www.therfl.co.uk/more/play/masters or check out the official Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Masters-Rugby-League/124934494229033?fref=pb