L’ESCARGOT, Farnham RFC’s veterans side, open the eagerly-awaited European Veterans Rugby Festival which starts today (Friday) at Farnham’s Monkton Lane ground.

L’Escargot O50s will need to be anything but snail-like when they take on an EVRA (European Vets Rugby Association) XV on Pitch 1, starting at 10am.

A packed opening-day schedule will feature 35 matches played simultaneously across the three pitches at Wilkinson Way.

In action will be Polish, Czech, Moravian, Hungarian and Portuguese teams, amongst many others.

Three days of top-class veterans rugby will help showcase the start of the Rugby World Cup and matches from Twickenham, Cardiff and the other venues will be shown on giant screens inside a 700-seat marquee.

Live music and a wine festival will attract not just the rugby followers and, with big crowds anticipated, a free shuttle service has been arranged from the town centre, leaving every 30 minutes from Gostrey Meadow and The Albion pub, from 9.30am onwards.  Entry into the ground is free.