The Cumbria Rams will return to Tynedale today as reigning champions of the Tynedale 10’s.
They are taking a full-strength squad for the two day event as preparations continue for September’s VetsFest 2026.
Regarded as one of the strongest veterans county sides in the country, the Rams lifted the Tynedale 10’s title in 2025 and are determined to defend their crown when they take to the field once again.
Tynedale 10’s is supported by, and is the main entertainment at, the Tynedale Beer and Cider Festival which is running at the same time.
Their appearance is also part of the build-up to VetsFest 2026, which returns to Tynedale on September 26 and brings together hundreds of former players from across the UK and Ireland in support of Wooden Spoon, rugby’s children’s charity.
The Cumbria Rams came agonisingly close to lifting the VetsFest title last year, only being denied by a professional exhibition side after dominating the competition throughout.
Captain Chris Wright believes the event represents much more than rugby.
“The pleasure of mixing rugby with men and women from across the UK and Ireland to raise money for children through Wooden Spoon is something that I and the team treasure and work hard for, especially when we see the results of this fundraising in Cumbria as well as supporting national initiatives,” he said.
Former players aged over 35 are now being encouraged to answer the call and pull on the famous Cumbrian jersey once again.
The deadline for registration for VetsFest 2026 is 9am on July 1, with organisers stressing that there will be no opportunity for late entries due to the scale of the event and the extensive media coverage surrounding what has become the UK’s premier veterans rugby festival.
With the Cumbria Rams squad for VetsFest 2026 rapidly approaching full capacity, anyone hoping to secure one of the remaining places is urged to act now.
And if the VetsFest squad fills up, there are still opportunities to become part of the Cumbria Rams’ year-round calendar of fixtures and events.
Whether you’ve moved away from the county, are still playing regular rugby or have always dreamt of pulling on the Cumbrian jersey once more, now is the time to get involved.
Players can find Cumbria Rams on Facebook, enquire through the Cumbria Rugby Union page on LinkedIn or contact Chris Wright directly via Cockermouth RFC.
Captain Wright added: “Cumbria leads the nation in many areas and we’re proud Cumbrians who continue to do so on the rugby field.
“Wearing the county jersey and representing our communities remains a huge honour, and we’d love to welcome more former players into the squad.”
With pride, passion and charity at the heart of everything they do, the Cumbria Rams are once again ready to fly the flag for the county at Tynedale and beyond.
