Masters Rugby League unites Nations in thrilling International Festival at London Skolars

To start off proceedings each international captain Rob Oaten (England), Wayne Kelly (Ireland) and Grant Cattanach (Scotland) completed the coin toss, where against all odds no call was guessed correctly.

As the Masters staff used the build-up to warm their teams up, the invitation of two junior teams to play as the curtain raiser for the 2025 Masters International Festival got underway.

Brixton Bulls and Keighley Albion (Under 12’s) played out a fantastic game resulting in a last-minute try for a Keighley Albion, a 22-18 win against a valiant Brixton Bulls performance. 

Chris Price (Albion U12’s Coach) said: “Thanks to Brixton Bulls, London Skolars and the RFL for the invitation, Brixton played with unbelievable grit and determination, and the result could have gone either way. All the players and families being able stay and enjoy the experience of witnessing what Masters Rugby League is all about for the first time was something very special.” 

Next up it was the turn of the Masters! With the junior players joining the Masters players to walk out on to the field, led by the Match Officials for the event (Allan Dunham, Geoff Grieves & Pablo Bawdekar). Spectators were treated to renditions of each team’s national anthems which could only be described as a “goosebumps moment” for everyone in attendance.  

Match Official, Pablo Bawdekar expressed: “Some great quality football from three talented teams - as was the refereeing! The standard was even across the squads which was impressive given how some hadn’t had long to prepare.” 

Three international teams came together to celebrate a fantastic season of Masters Rugby League, by providing an opportunity for players to represent their respective nations. The International Masters Festival took place on Saturday 25th October 2025 at London Skolars, New River Stadium where the England Lionhearts, Ireland Wolfhounds and Scotland RL played in a Round-Robin Festival format where all scores finished 0-0.

The event was a significant milestone in International Masters Rugby League history being the first International Masters Festival to be hosted in the capital city, including Scotland marking their debut appearance after only forming earlier in the year, a commendable achievement to all those involved.  

Scotland Masters player, Olly Saccucci-Spence said: “I was born in Aberdeen, raised wherever dad was based, but Scotland’s always been home in my heart. I cannot express how proud I was to represent Scotland on Saturday.” 

Adie Smith, Head Coach of England Masters Lionhearts, expressed: “Firstly a thank you to the RFL, to Ireland and Scotland staff and players for making this weekend such a memorable occasion. This weekend epitomised the very essence of the Spirit of Masters.

Friday night set the tone where players received their match shirts from ex-England international, Sam Tomkins. A gathering of over-35s, old mates and new faces came together to share food, laughter, and a few stories. 

"On Saturday the lads were able to pull on their shirts with pride, stepping out to play in what became a brilliant showcase of Masters Rugby League a celebration of the game, the camaraderie, and the joy it brings. And when the final whistle blew, we did what Masters do best; we socialised, laughed, and made memories that will last a lifetime.” 

Once the playing activities concluded the event, it was time to distribute the medals to each Match Official, with Geoff Grieves being crowned at the “Ref of the Day” by teams’ managers. Each team coach also voted for an opposition "Master of the day".

England Master of the Day – Rob Oaten  

Youngest & Eldest Masters player – 40 years (Black Shorts) & 77 years (Green Shorts). 

Ireland Master of the Day – Wayne Kelly 

Youngest & Eldest Masters player – 38 years (White Shorts) & 72 years (Green Shorts). 

Scotland Master of the Day – Paul Kennedy 

Youngest & Eldest Masters player – 37 years (White Shorts) & 60 years (Gold Shorts). 

A player who experienced a very touching moment, Paul Parkin (Cottingham Tigers Masters), enjoyed the pleasant surprise of witnessing the arrival of each of his family members whilst singing the England national anthem.

“It wasn’t until I started singing, I realised my family had surprised me by showing up to support me and the boys, I had no idea they were coming as we’ve just moved house, I wasn’t expecting it," he said:

"There was no better feeling than seeing my families faces and the sense of pride it gave me and them, to see their dad playing for England Masters Lionhearts.” 

At the end of each game all the teams embraced one another in true Masters tradition to signify the relationships built on the field not just between players but also the match officials, are just as important as the gameplay.  

Ireland Team Manager, Alan Cuffe said: “It was a great honour to come together with a great bunch of lads and represent our country, on such a historical weekend for the northern hemisphere Rugby League with the Ashes returning. Also, a fantastic privilege to be first country to play against a newly formed Scotland masters team. A big thank you also to England for hosting us, looking forward to the future of Masters Rugby League.” 

Each team left the event or checked out of their hotel Sunday morning, and they weren’t just a group of over-35s anymore they had become a band of brothers. 

That’s when it hit Smith: “This this is why I do what I do. As someone who has faced his own battles with mental health, nothing means more to me than seeing those smiles. If I can help a bloke meet a new mate, someone who might change his outlook or just make life a little better in that moment, I’ve done my bit.

"That is what Masters Rugby League is all about. That is the Spirit of Masters Rugby League."

A special thanks to each of the international teams’ sponsors: 

England – COBUS 

Ireland – ATNI, Bus Eireann & OCS 

Scotland – LIGHTHOUSE 

To to get involved in International Men’s Masters Rugby League, firstly get involved with your local Masters Rugby League club.

If there is not one near you and you would like to set up a club, please contact Bradley.Kelk@RFL.co.uk. If you are an individual from Scotland or Ireland, you will be given a contact from those specific nations. 

Finally, a thank you to all the Masters players who play week in week out in their community clubs and the RFL Masters Management Group for making 2025 a year to remember!