A RUGBY player says he has no plans to hang up his boots - despite turning 70-years-old.

Alan Goggin plays as a prop for Colchester Rugby Club's fifth team and has been taking to the field for more than 50 years.

But the Essex County Councillor and Brightlingsea's former mayor said he isn't intending to leave the pitch anytime soon.

Gazette: Possession - Mr Goggin (with the ball) in action for Brightlingsea, just one of five teams he has played for recently

The tighthead said: "Quite simply the reason I'm still going is because I can and I love it - I really look forward to playing every Saturday.

"I'm quite fortunate in that if a team turns up without a prop they automatically lose so I've already played for five other clubs this season.

"But I've said to the skippers that I don't want to be chosen out of sympathy, I want to be chosen because I'm good enough.

"I'm sure one day someone will put their hand on my shoulder and say "Listen Goggin, do you think it's time...""

As well as having a love for the oval ball, Mr Goggin is just as well known for being at home on the water.

He is a former European water skiing champion and he explained that his passion for water skiing led to his passion for rugby.

Gazette: Birthday - Mr Goggin and his Colchester team-mates celebrate his 70th birthday

Mr Goggin said: "When it came to winter and there was no water skiing I needed to do something to keep myself fit.

"I got in touch with Clacton Rugby Club and ever since then I've been playing.

"In my very biased opinion it's the best team sport in the world."

He explained the fifth team gives a chance to people who have reached middle-age and think their playing days are behind them.

He said: "There are lots of guys who are maybe around 50-years-old who have heard about me.

"They've seen that I'm still playing and have decided to get re-involved in the game.

"It's ideal because they can turn up and play without worrying about the training on Tuesday or the ice baths after the match."

Every December Colchester Rugby Club celebrate Mr Goggin's birthday at the match which takes place closest to the occasion.

His sons Ben, 44, and Luke, 42 always play in the match with their father.

The former mayor said: "It's a very special feeling to be out there on the pitch with your children.

"To play with them and to have them support you when someone from the other team confronts you is fantastic.

"They were both water skiers in their own right but that's a very individual sport so even if I was coaching them I could never be out there with them.

"In rugby I can be."