amatuer club rugby - too old to get involved?

Question
I am 22, 6ft 4", 15 stone and looking to get back into playing rugby, hopefully for a local club in london at a social/amatuer level. I played for my school team until I was 16, then stopped playing until earlier this year when I trained with and played for a team in a rugby 7's tournament, and it gave me the rugby bug again!

my question is, I played at school as a second row, and in the 7's team as a forward. Do you think it matters that I have not (apart from the 7's tournament) played for 6 years?Am I too old to get involved again?

Should I look to continue playing as a second row? I also like the look of playing flanker or no.8. would it be feasible to consider playing in those position?

I am also worried that although I am strong and fairly well built, I may not be heavy enough to play as a forward. I have been doing my own fitness and strength training for the past few months in preparation for joining a club, so fitness shouldn't be an issue.

what are your opinions?

many thanks.

Answer
Hi Jon

I say go for it. I played for London French myself and in the 3rd and 2nd divisions of the London Club scene. Come in at the 3rd division level and you should be right. Ask around, see if any old mates or co-workers play and try to join a club with someone you know - that always makes things easier.

As for your age, you are only 22 if I can play at 32 and my mates can play in their 40's you should be ok. I know a mate of mine who played his first ever game at 36 so go for it.

6 foot 4 is still a good height for a lock and as not many guys want to play in that position (wimps!) you will probably get a more game time. If you get your skills up an fitness is good there is no reason why you can't play flanker or number 8 too.

Your weight isn't too bad, don't over think it, go and have some fun. Remember it will be a lower more social division, most of the guys are in it for a work out, comradery and some beer.

I had some of my most fun times living in London. I was 25, boozing with some crazy French and the odd displaced Kiwi. Good luck and have fun!