SOME 340 children gathered on Hampstead Heath extension on Sunday as “the rugby family” came together to enjoy a series of fun, festive friendlies.

Hampstead RFC welcomed players from Hackney RFC, Regent’s Park Royal’s, Southgate RFC and Southwark Tigers for the pre-Christmas get together.

The morning proved a great success with players also donating presents that will be passed on to the Royal Free Charity next week before being handed out to children being treated at the hospital in Hampstead over Christmas. Hampstead RFC’s fixtures secretary, Christina Sanchez de Beggs, said: “As a volunteer, I work hard to build good friendships with other local clubs. I see us as one big rugby family.

“Seeing so many children coming together to enjoy rugby, like they did this Sunday, being able to offer them hospitality when we have no clubhouse, and hearing how much they really enjoyed it, makes it all worthwhile.

“They may not remember who won the matches, but they will remember the hotdogs and hot chocolate that they had afterwards!”