CIRENCESTER Rugby Football Club like to keep it in the family – and the policy seems to be paying off.

No fewer than four sets of brothers – Will and Rory McCarthy, Luke and James Fisher, Gareth and Rhys Owen, along with Alex and Joe Hammond – turn out for the first team.

There’s no sibling rivalry here, and the results of this close-knit squad, who have played together for years, speak for themselves.

Cirencester are currently hunting up the leaders in the Tribute Western Counties North division having won five of their last six matches.

Seven of the eight brothers made the starting line-up for Saturday’s comprehensive 39-22 victory over Burnham-on-Sea at The Whiteway, the only absentee being Gareth Owen.

As a general manager of the Lidl store in Cirencester, Gareth was required to put in a Saturday shift!

Meanwhile, the remaining band of brothers had a significant impact on the game with Alex, James and Luke all scoring tries.

The octet all come from rugby playing families with dads Gary Hammond (now at Brockworth RFC) and Neil Owen still pulling on a pair of boots most Saturdays.

All the brothers have come through the successful Cirencester RFC youth system, starting with the minis, and all went to Kingshill School in the town.

Here are the magnificent eight: Alex Hammond – Captain of the 1st XV, a position he has held since the age of 20. Led the Colts to the County Cup Final victory in the 06/07 season and was also part of the 05/06 team which lost in the final. Position: No.8.

Joe Hammond – Debut season with the first team after cutting his teeth with the Colts and second XV. Recently returned from six months playing rugby in Australia with Rory McCarthy. Position: Fly Half.

James Fisher – Top try scorer for the first team so far this year with ten tries in nine games and is the first team goal kicker. Part of the County Cup-winning 06/07 Colts team and 05/06 side which were runners-up in the same competition. Position: Outside Centre.

Luke Fisher – Has played in the firsts since he was a teenager and has played alongside Rory McCarthy at the club since they were eight years old. Fans’ favourite due to his abrasive style. Another member of the successful 06/07 Colts team. Position: Hooker.

Gareth Owen – Played alongside Will McCarthy for Kingshill School teams since the age of 11 and has been promoted to the Ciren firsts after spells with the Colts and seconds. Part of the 05/06 Colts County Cup runners-up team. Position: Prop.

Rhys Owen – Came up through the ranks at Cirencester and has played Colts and second-team rugby. Forced his way into the firsts with his hard-running style. Position: Wing.

Will McCarthy – Has played in the firsts since he was a teenager and captained the Colts in the County Cup Final loss of 05/06. Back in Cirencester after playing in Ireland for three years. The pack leader who calls the line-outs and scrums. Position: Flanker.

Rory McCarthy – A playing comrade of Luke Fisher’s since they were eight years old and another member of the 06/07 successful Colts team. Recently returned from two and a half years playing rugby in Australia and New Zealand. Position: Full Back.

First Team Manager and Club Director of Rugby, Neil Owen, said: “All of the boys have come through the club system and this says so much about the Cirencester RFC ethos which is being a local club for local boys.”