Paul Mosley, a former Daily Star headline writer, has drawn on his experiences with Dorking RFC's veterans' side to write a collection of short stories titled The Derelicts – The Heart and Art of Veterans' Rugby. The book, published by Troubador, is available online in paperback for £10.99 from Waterstones and Amazon, with a Kindle edition at £4.99.
Inspired by Real-Life Antics
Mosley, a retired prop forward, found that the off-field behaviour of his teammates provided richer material than match reports. One story recounts a boozy end-of-season tour to Venice in 2006, when a player nicknamed Gerbil swallowed a jar of cayenne pepper, leading to days of internal discomfort.
The tale begins with Gerbil declaring the pepper 'must be old' after tasting it, then consuming the rest. The Italian waiter's reaction and Gerbil's subsequent suffering are described in vivid detail.
A Love Letter to Social Rugby
The stories are loosely based on Mosley's time with the Dorking RFC veterans' team in Surrey, where players are typically over 35, with many continuing into their fifties and sixties. The book includes relatable descriptions of teammates, such as 'half man half Guinness' and 'a medical curiosity'.
Mosley says the feedback from players young and old has been heartening, and he believes many people are ready for a few laughs. He describes the book as 'a love letter to the social side of the game'.
True Stories, With a Twist
When asked if the stories are true, Mosley admitted that the cayenne pepper incident was based on real events, adding a particular 'piquancy'. He spent 35 years working at the Daily Star before retiring in early 2024.
The book aims to strike a chord with anyone who has played or watched veterans' rugby, or participated in team sports, highlighting the lifelong friendships forged through the game.
