There’s an old saying among expats and athletic beer drinkers around the world that goes something like this: “whenever you find yourself in a new city around the world, the first thing you should do is join a rugby club”.

If that doesn’t make sense to you, chances are you’ve never rubbed shoulders with the Société Générale Valley RFC Mavericks on the field, or in the bar. It’s where 20- and 30- somethings from around the world come together to play some fiery rugby and sink some ice-cold pints together.

Powered by a spirited front row club and forward pack who give the backline many opportunities to knock the ball on and count on the forwards to win back possession. We play some running rugby and have passages of impenetrable defending, we score some great tries and always get tough when the tough get going.

This season brought together new friends and shaped memories that makes living in a bustling city so much more fulfilling, and occasionally a unicorn was spotted pitch side or prowling the streets of Soho.

So if you find yourself with nothing to do on a Tuesday or Thursday evening, come join the Mavericks at Happy Valley Pitch 6, because as you know by now – wherever you are in the world, the first thing you should do is join a rugby club.