SINCE its formation in 1968, Atherstone RFC has certainly kept it in the family.

At least 18 father and son pairings having either played for the club at the same time or in subsequent years.

Now the club is seeing a third generation of players coming through the ranks.

The first is 21-year-old Tom Aherne, grandson of one of the club's founding members, Joe Aherne.

Joe, a former Tamworth RFC player, was busy training on Mancetter Rec when he was approached by Mike Hazell, who suggested Atherstone should have its own rugby club.

An advert in the paper and a meeting at the local pub saw the birth of Atherstone RFC.

Tom's father Dom and uncle Willy also played for the club for many years and his grandmother Marie was a stalwart in the club's kitchen.

Tom said: "My dad was begging me for ages to start playing rugby and I finally gave in.

"Now I've got the bug. I love the social side of the game and have made many new friends.

"It's a team game, working together to achieve the goal relying on your mates to do their job, protecting you and supporting you while you do the same for them.

"I like the fact that no matter how hard the game is on the pitch, there is always a good atmosphere after the game between us and our opposition." While Tom is the first third-generation player to break into the senior ranks, in the junior section young Evan Pearce, son of former Atherstone player Darren and grandson of founder member Brian Pearce, is showing a great deal of potential and could soon he joining him.

Another family making their mark at Atherstone RFC are the Redmans.

Chris Redman joined the club almost 35 years ago having moved from his home in Dolgellau, North Wales.

Former Welsh boxing champion Redman had never played rugby before but when he met some Atherstone players in his local pub, they all assumed that as he was Welsh he must be able to play.

He has been at the club ever since – having been captain for three terms – including for the season 1992-1993 when the club got promoted and having served as chairman for six years.

All three of his sons, Lee, Andy and James have followed in his footsteps, each starting their rugby career in their early teens and all electing to initially play scrum-half just like their father.

Current president Vince McCabe joined the club just after its inaugural match and has continued his ties with the club, with both of his sons Kirk and Gavin having pulled on the black shirt to represent Atherstone.

Former president John Clarke and former chairman Andy Stubbs have also seen their sons, Phil and Daniel, turn out for the club that has been part of their lives for many years.