Rugby League legend Jamie Peacock surprised everyone yesterday when he turned out for local Rugby Union side Old Grovians.
The 41-year-old retired in 2016, but it seems the opportunity to try his hand at the 15-man code reignited the competitive streak in the former Great Britain international.
Peacock pulled his hamstring in the warm-up but still went on to play in the centres for the Apperley Bridge club, who went down to a last-minute 26-22 defeat against Yarnbury.
After the close-fought Yorkshire Division 2 clash, the ex-Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos star admitted the unlikely appearance came after a conversation with a friend.
Speaking to the Telegraph and Argus, Peacock said: “A guy I do some work for said ‘Come down and take them for a training session’ and I said ‘I might like to have a game’, and might means definite!
“I waited until March when the weather has got a bit warmer, but I pulled my hamstring in the warm-up. However, I think I will be alright for the London Marathon when I am running to raise funds for Wheatfields Hospice.”
It was an incredible first Union match for Peacock to be involved in, with Yarnbury awarded a match-winning penalty try after 16 minutes of additional time.
Despite falling on the wrong side of the result, Peacock admitted afterwards he might not have played his last game for the Old Grovians.
“I just played it my own way, offloading the ball, but it was an enjoyable experience playing with some guys who gave it their all.
“At the start of the game, everyone was trying to knock my head off but I learnt as the game went on and got into it as everyone got a bit more tired. I might have another runaround next season but that will do me for this season.”
Read more a see photos from the game HERE.
