Former Daily Star headline writer Paul Mosley has drawn on decades of rugby experience to capture the humor and camaraderie of veterans’ rugby in his debut collection of short stories, *The Derelicts: The Heart And Art Of Veterans’ Rugby*. The book, inspired by Mosley’s time playing for Dorking RFC in Surrey, offers a lighthearted look at the social side of the sport, highlighting both the spirited competition on the field and the lively antics that often follow.

Mosley, who retired from the Daily Star in early 2024 after 35 years behind the scenes, said the book is a tribute to the friendships and fun that defined his later years playing rugby. "The best fun I had was when I was long past my best, as a player turning out for the vets," he said. Veterans’ rugby typically features players aged 35 and older, many continuing into their 40s, 50s, and even 60s. Mosley’s stories capture the “valiant and comic glory” of this phase of the game, where the love of sport is matched by good-natured humor and social bonding.

Among the tales is a memorable episode from an end-of-season tour to Venice, where the team stayed on the nearly deserted Lido di Jesolo and made an impression at a local trattoria. The group’s playful disruptions escalated when a player nicknamed “Gerbil” challenged the potency of the local Italian wine before turning his attention to a pot of cayenne pepper meant for seasoning pizzas. After dismissing the spice as mild, Gerbil swallowed a large portion of the pepper, leading to an immediate and intense reaction that provided both discomfort and amusement. Mosley confirmed the story was true, describing it as an example of the quirky misadventures that often occur off the pitch.

Mosley’s narratives, blending fact with affectionate exaggeration, have resonated with rugby enthusiasts across generations and regions. He noted that social rugby, with its informal atmosphere and rich personalities, naturally lends itself to humor. *The Derelicts* presents a slice of this world, celebrating not just the sport but the enduring friendships and joy it fosters.

Through his writing, Mosley aims to offer readers—whether players, fans, or those familiar with team sports—a glimpse into the unique culture of veterans’ rugby, where competition is balanced by camaraderie and a readiness to find laughter in every situation.