The 55-year-old had gone to the rescue of the visiting team who were playing his local rugby club when one of its players was forced to sit out the second half through injury.

But now Mr Clee is at the centre of an age discrimination row after he was told by his new club he was “too old” to play.

On several occasions this season the first-aider for Tonyrefail RFC offered to make up the numbers when the team has been hit by injures – only to be told by the club it cannot get insurance from the Welsh Rugby Union to cover him.

Upset by the apparent discrimination, Mr Clee has written to the Equality and Human Rights Commission Wales for advice, and has threatened to leave the club in search of another.

“This is not only important to me but to all over-50s who believe they are still fit and able enough to play rugby at a local level,” he said.

“In fact many of us over 50 are fitter than some under-30s who turn out regularly on Saturdays to play.

“I think I can deal with the physicality of it all. I wouldn’t even attempt to put myself in the position if I didn’t think I was. I think I’m old enough and experienced enough having played enough rugby in the past to be able to say to the second team captain I feel I’m capable of playing at least half a game.”