A stalwart of Harrow RFC has made an emotional plea for players to help revive his club's fortunes after they were forced to pull out of the league.

David Smith served the Stanmorebased outfit for two decades before hanging up his boots about five years ago. However, he has followed the club's fortunes closely and is dismayed by its current state of affairs.

The Grove Field club has been left with no choice but to withdraw from the London 4 North West Division after injuries, coupled with a chronic lack of front row players, saw them fail to fulfil three fixtures.

The first team is likely to resurface in the much weaker Herts & Middlesex Four division, providing they can recruit more players ahead of next season.

Smith, who was a free-scoring wing for Harrow in the 80s and 90s, has now sounded a rallying call to bring back the good times.

"Harrow RFC has been an integral part of the borough's sporting scene for 117 years," said Smith. "Sadly, they have had to withdraw from the league due to injuries and retirement.

"Twice before in its history, the club has had to rebuild, namely after each world war. On both occasions, the determination of the surviving players and members to rebuild the club proved successful.

"This fact is not lost on Harrow's current members who are working incredibly hard to revive the club's fortunes and thereby save an important piece of Harrow's history."

He added: "I was fortunate enough to have represented Harrow for 20 years. Our hope is that there are players in the borough and beyond who would like to help the club rebuild its squads so that they may re-enter the league next season."

* Anyone interesting in joining the club can call 020 8954 2615.