Arlecdon Rams players represent their country in Masters RL

Lee Hoskin, Willie Burns, John Gaston, and Grant Cattanach, who all play for Arlecdon Rams, took part in the tournament.

Hoskin represented Scotland, Burns was the England Man of the Tournament, Gaston represented Ireland, and Cattanach was the Scotland captain.

Masters RL is a social variation of rugby that has been developed for older players who no longer play competitive open-age rugby league. All games finish 0-0.

The youngest age is 35, but several players over the age of 80 are still active in the game.

Player safety is a key concern, so contact is progressively limited by age groups, which are indicated by different coloured shorts.

Once over 60, players tackle by ticking opponents and are tackled when tags are grabbed off their shorts. 

Willie Burns, of Whitehaven, said: "Our coach said that he'd give everybody a start.

"In the second game, playing for Scotland, he put two 70-year-olds and three 60-year-olds on, which weakened us dramatically.

"But in the spirit of Masters, he went by his word and gave everybody a start. It was fantastic."

Mr Hoskin said: "It was fantastic, the best thing that's ever happened. I've played Masters now for 14 years and this is the first international call-up I've had."

He added that he has always been passionate about rugby league and has played since he was 13.

Each year, the RFL puts together a squad of players who have made particular contributions to the game, the Lionhearts. 

Last weekend, The Lionhearts played in an International Festival at White Hart Lane before going on to the England v Australia Test at Wembley. 

The other teams were Scotland and Ireland in a round-robin format.

Arlecdon Rams, the RL Masters team in West Cumbria, provided players for each team.

Grant Cattanach, of High Harrington, said: "For me personally, to get to play with members of the Arlecdon side was a fantastic experience.

"More so because I got to lead Scotland out as captain, it was a massive honour I loved it."

Mr Gaston, of Workington, said: "It was a good experience, it's the second time I've done it, the last time was in June. Hopefully, next year I'll be able to do it in Ireland.

"I started playing rugby when I was 21, and have been playing Masters for the last eight years."