While you might be looking forward to packing down in torrential rain and mud this winter, O2’s Scrum on the Beach gives you the chance to get over your close season rugby blues.

The annual event has returned for another year and there has already been five events up and down the country, with three more planned before the end of August - Newcastle (August 8th and 9th), Skegness (August 15th) and Newquay (August 28th to 30th).

Part of the Rugby Football Union’s “Play On” campaign, competing teams can win the chance to play at Twickenham in a special tag tournament - the winners will be chosen for their beach rugby style, look and attitude.

Paul Sackey at O2 Scrum on the Beach

England player Paul Sackey said: “O2 Scrum on the Beach is a great way to have fun and stay involved with rugby this summer. This year we’re looking for some seriously stylish teams - with the most impressive getting to play at Twickenham in September. That should give you even more of an incentive to get down to the events and show off your skills.”

Sackey is one of five England players spending their close season judging your ball skills - he will be joined by Danny Care, Ben Foden, Lewis Moody and Delon Armitage in deciding who has the pedigree to land their dream ticket to Twickenham.

As well as the rugby, fans can meet their favourite England stars at the free family festival, enjoy the entertainment in the O2 blueroom and try out the bucking-bronco style rugby ball.

If beach rugby isn’t for you, the state of the art rugby Play Zone lets you test out your kicking, passing, running and tackling skills, while you can also try out your speed reaction skills on “Batak Duel”.

You can register your team online by emailing scrumonthebeach@rfu.com and simply telling them who is in your team and where you’d like to play. There are two spots up for grabs in the Twickenham tournament.

So forget the winter overcoat and Bovril for now, enjoy your rugby with an ice cream at the beach this summer!