RAMS RFC Veterans manager Marcus Noye said his phone wouldn’t stop buzzing as news broke of the side’s chance to play at Twickenham next month.

The Old Bath Road outfit will be one of six teams taking part in a tournament at HQ with the aim of raising £100,000 for the Injured Players Foundation.

ALSO READ: Former Reading FC striker Sam Baldock scores on debut for Derby County

As a club, Rams have set themselves a £15,000 target and so far almost £2,000 has been donated to the cause.

And Noye said: “Each of us has pledged to try and raise at least £250 and everyone can help – with 40 of us all asking for sponsorship you can pick and choose which legend you want to help out.

“We have already been blessed with three team sponsors and my thanks go to Chris Stillman, Richard Inns and Gary Reynolds for helping us out with playing shirts and socks – and the club for organising a coach.”

Speaking about the importance of the IPF, Noye continued: “The Injured Players Foundation is the last charity you'd want to contact, but the first all grass-roots rugby players should support.

Reading Chronicle:

“All players could be a blade of grass away from a catastrophic head or neck injury, and we all know what happened to Sirens’ legend Dani (Watts).

“The IPF were/are instrumental in helping with her ongoing recovery and in support of her family. I for one am very happy the IPF are there for my egg-chasing brothers and sisters.”

Explaining how the opportunity to play in the tournament came about, Noye explained: “The IPF contacted the club via Gary and he accepted the invite on the spot. Within 20 minutes of me posting the news I had more than 30 players interested.

“Running out at Twickenham will be amazing – what an opportunity.

“At my age it's definitely a last chance before I hang up my boots, and I'm by far not the eldest at 52.”

He continued: “I have 40 players all older than 35 giggling and messing around like it was their first tour.

“The banter is swift and ruthless and everyone is so excited about the day.

“We've even seen a few of the club’s ace faces at training...”

ALSO READ: Reading FC Women unveil sixth signing of the summer

The 15-a-side tournament will be played on the full pitch at Twickenham, with the teams split into two groups of three and playing each other in 10-minute matches.

The group winners will then play each other in the final, while the second and third-placed sides in their respective pools will also go up against one another.

A Barbarians game made up of players elder than 50 will also take place during the day, with the action followed by presentations, a meal and a charity auction.

To donate for the whole team, or an individual player, go to https://rfuipf.enthuse.com/pf/rams-vets