Not many people go from the pack to the pulpit on a weekly basis, but Rev Norman ‘Butch’ Gilbert is celebrating playing senior rugby for six decades.

Although the 57-year-old played as a hooker for his team Pembroke RFC against Milford on January 31st, he started out as a scrum-half for the youth team in the 1968-69 season.

Rev Gilbert said: “People find it strange that I’m a man of the cloth because when I play, I’m a bit of a nuisance and get in people’s faces.

“I suppose I’m known around the county for being this fiery little fellow, but that’s just the way I play the game.”

He has already played in the same team as his son Darren, while his other son Joel is currently starting out with the youth team.

“Whether I’ll be around to play with him I don’t know,” he said.

“I told my wife to put up with my rugby until my 30s, but I recently played against a hooker who is 60, so I told her I might have a few years left in me.”

After receiving a yellow card 30 seconds after coming on in one game, it was remarked that his change from saint to sinner was: “The fastest conversion since Paul on the road to Damascus”.

As he has always put his faith before rugby, Rev Gilbert said Pembroke RFC has supported him tremendously.

“I’ve been a committed Christian since my teens and it’s never been a problem. Most players have even been considerate with their language.”

He added: “Although my rugby days are all but finished, the Bible holds the words of eternal life, as long as I’m spared I will spread the word of Jesus Christ.”

Rev Gilbert officiates every Sunday at Cosheston Mission Chapel at 10.45am and 6pm.