FORMER players for a rugby union club which disbanded 12 years ago are all set for a reunion.

Atherton Briarcroft RUFC was the brainchild of Allan Robinson in the early 80s and was borne out of a weekly youth club held at the Briarcroft Hall on Leigh Road in Atherton but it was forced to disband after a spell of bad luck.

But thanks to social media, a handful of ex-players have formed a team to play in a reunion match on November 22.

Organiser Ian Lysons said: "Starting as a colts team and playing on Hesketh Fletcher School fields the transition to senior rugby brought regular fixtures.

"As playing numbers increased the club progressed to the newly formed league structure and whilst playing at the lower levels of the structure, moderate success was achieved for a number of years.

"However, playing numbers became stretched and following some heavy defeats the Briarcroft withdrew from the league structure to play social rugby.

"This social rugby continued for a number of years until a nadir was reached in September 2002.

"With playing numbers very low and following a defeat at the hands of Trafford Metrovick the club disbanded as a playing entity, some players moving on to other clubs, others hanging up their boots for good.

"Thanks to the power of social media a handful of ex-players tested the waters to see if there was an appetite for a re-union and were met with a pretty positive response."

The reunion is taking place at Tyldesley RUFC and any former players wishing to take part or for more details contact Ian on 07770 691398, email ian.lysons@endsystems.co.uk or join the Briarcroft Re-Union Facebook page.