Formed in 2007 the Casuals are playing in the National Rugby League Conference Eastern Division for the first time this summer and were delighted to have former the former Wigan Warrior coach them for an evening.

“The kids that have come down and played have enjoyed it,” said Andy Quirke, chairperson of Northampton Casuals RL. “If the extra 10 or 15 that came along tonight carry on playing that will be fantastic. We’re there for any union player who wants to play during the summer season.”

“The kids had been looking forward to having Chris here,” said Eddie Lambrick from Northampton Casuals RL. “Rugby league is an expanding sport. We’re looking to work with local rugby union clubs to keep the fitness levels of union players going during the summer and bring the two codes together.

“The two codes can learn from each other, and they are coming together in terms of fitness levels and coaching drills, that sort of thing.”

Anyone interested in playing rugby league for the Casuals should visit www.northamptonrl.co.uk.