Legends love-in: Saracens and London Irish players pose after their final showdown. Saracens won 35-8

MORE THAN 3,000 rugby fans filed into Wimbledon RFC this month for the first Legion Legends Rugby Festival and they got to see a host of former players turn out for their old clubs, including Tim Stimpson, Henry Paul, Freddie Tuilagi, Peter Richards, Hugh Vyvyan and Rory Jenkins. Eight teams – Saracens, Harlequins, London Irish, London Welsh, Leicester Tigers, Worcester, Gloucester and Bristol – took part in the ten-a-side tournament, with Saracens beating London Irish 35-8 in the final.

Familiar faces: Leon Lloyd in action for Leicester (left) and Harlequins and Saracens compete for the ball (right)

Former Gloucester and England player Henry Paul said of the inaugural event: “What a great day! The heat was immense but it was so much fun to get stuck in and see some of the guys again. Once you step back on that pitch, all the competitive juices start to flow again and it’s like nothing’s changed.”

Tim Stimpson, previously of Leicester, England and the Lions, added: “I’m sure I’ll feel this tomorrow, but for now, I can’t stop grinning. Great weather, great day, great rugby – what more could you want? I’ll definitely be back next year.”

Who's who: how many familiar faces can you spot in the Leicester Legends team?

CLIC Sargent Godfathers beat Olorun Godfathers in the amateur veterans’ final while Wooden Spoon triumphed in the seven-a-side women’s event, overcoming Wasps in the final. Next year organisers hope to expand the event to include legends teams from around the world.

All inclusive: the event at Wimbledon RFC also had tournaments for minis and women's sides

Sing song: UB40 entertained crowds in the evening by taking to the stage to perform their hits