Former Whitland rugby players are being canvassed to join the Whitland RFC Old Players Association, to meet up with old playing colleagues and friends when old memories can be revived.

The brainchild of Paul Kirk and current club chairman Arwyn Thomas, the association was established at the start of the season and the response from retired players has been quite amazing.

Over 120 former players have joined the Association already, including current International players Mike Phillips, Jonathan 'Foxy' Davies and Scott Williams together with former International back row forward Alan 'Santa' Reynolds who are all founder members.

Association secretary Paul Kirk and president Gilbert Williams aim to reach a target of 150 members before the end of the season.

Paul Kirk said: "The formation of an old players association is something that Arwyn Thomas and I have been discussing for a number of years. It is based around the belief that the Whitland club is a true rugby club where rugby supporters are always discussing rugby issues and the club has a great reputation for rugby at all levels."

Many clubs have active former players associations, but often find it difficult to attract former players in their thirties or forties to join.

Paul Kirk and his colleagues have not experienced any difficulty as he explained: "The under 50 brigade has been easy as they are my contemporaries. Initially all past captains were contacted and they were encouraged to contact their playing colleagues."

Each member then completes a profile from which Kirk records contact details and notes suggestions for future events.

Membership is not restricted to former first team players as the association is open to all former players regardless of which team they played for or the number of games played.

Paul Kirk added: "The information on the forms is fascinating. Some players have even admitted to playing for Narberth and we have still let them join!

"At present, the furthest flung members are Steve Gerrard (New Zealand) and Andrew Tucker (Australia).

"We also have members from the Whitland ladies team who have finished playing such as Kate Bowen and Cally 'the Mill' and are expecting these numbers to increase dramatically.

"When I have contact details for old players, I write a personal letter inviting them to join with full details of membership."

The first reunion was held recently at the Welsh Cup fixture against Carmarthen Athletic when over 70 old players turned up and each was presented with a unique Old Players tie.

The next get together will be on Saturday, April 14, when the first team is home to Llangennech in a league fixture.

An annual dinner is being arranged in May and a golf day is planned in the summer. Paul Kirk is also keen to nominate a charity which the Association can help by making donations from time to time.

Kirk has used his considerable managerial and administration skills to attract members. However, he is the first to acknowledge the help from club steward Phil 'Dilly' Davies and Meredydd Richards who have both been excellent in canvassing for new members.

There is a joining fee of £20, to include the price of an association tie and the annual membership is £10.

Any former player wishing to join or to find out more about the association can contact Paul Kirk on 01267 237058 or 07970001150.