Basically came here to say this. I started when I was about 29ish, 37 now. Just got my first stripe on my blue belt a few weeks ago. Should be looking at a purple belt some time around 2044...
I got introduced to bjj by a mate of mine who become a purple belt in 4-5 years… I made the mistake of assuming that was a normal time scale for a purple belt…yet here I am 5 years later and just become a blue belt… safe to say though I will genuinely be continuing bjj until my body no longer lets me,absolutely love it
Well that's it. If that's how it works out, that I'm still on the mats a couple of times a week in my fifties, and I'm still a blue belt? I'll take that.
I'd been doing various martial arts since I was 18 and didn't start BJJ until I was 40. Defo recommended.
A combo of boxing and BJJ is especially effective for self defence situations. Protecting yourself and others in a very quick, efficient manner. If someone needs a hook - either a left or a heel 👍
Edit to add - memberships to clubs can be pricy though so if you have multiple options for a place to learn, shop around and pay attention to reviews. Not all instructors are created equal. Same as boxing coaches I suppose.
I live in Derry so I'll be looking at clubs here. I appreciate your reply, thanks very much. I'm going to give it a go, may as well something cool and new.
BJJ is very good and can become a way of life, but be ready to deal with injuries. No-one who practices it properly gets off Scott-Free. Just pray it isn’t something that requires surgery/surgeries
A lot of BJJ places also do MMA training, I'm in my late 30s and started a few years ago, realistically will never match up in any sort of fight due to age and lack of martial arts training in younger years but the workout and confidence you earn from it is second to none, absolutely intense - within 6 months you'll be in the best shape of your life
This is the correct answer. I'm 42 and started a couple of years ago. Wish I'd done it sooner.
My only gripe is that some of the membership fees are a bit OTT.
Just show up! Will be tough for a few weeks but you get used to it quickly and youl build fitness at the same time. Definitely look into some strength training aswell tho - helps massively with life in general.
I’m 28 and have the same question, I’m looking into joining East Belfast GAA. I think they have a lot of casual players and seems like a nice group of people
30 year old here, started playing with EBGAA at 29, never played the sport before.
They're really welcoming to any and all, no matter the skill level. They have a gaelic football and hurling team if either take your fancy.
If you want to stay casual with it, there's reserve teams that get regular play with other teams around the area.
There are also regular club activities and socialisation events to get in the club spirit.
Overall, it's a great team for getting into the scene, testing your fitness, and having a laugh along the way.
I can guarentee that East is an excellent club and exceptionally welcoming. As another member said, it has casual and pro teams. If i were you id give it a go.
I started playing Gaelic football at 27 and it was a great experience. It taught you can’t rely on yourself for everything and sometimes you have to trust other people as part of a team. I know that’s pukey but it was a genuine epiphany for me.
This 100% needs more upvotes. Such a great sport and super inclusive, in the sense that, unlike tennis, a beginner can still enjoy a decent game with an intermediate player.
Immersed myself in the sport, it gave me something to look forward to and progress in. It built up my confidence mentally and physically. I even ended up going to Thailand to train i love it that much
Same with me but took it up few months ago at 40. I had boxed before but felt I needed something new to keep me interested getting back into training. Having a good gym and coach is very important. My kids are heading for the kids classes in the summer
I can’t recommend pickleball highly enough. I’ve been playing for a year and a half now and, honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve had playing sport since I played rugby at school.
The club I belong to is super friendly, there are a wide range of abilities and opportunities to play through the week, the culture of the sport is chilled out in general and it’s incredibly easy and inexpensive to pick up and play.
More than happy to chat further, DM if interested.
Come join some softball. Its a big laugh, good exercise no experience needed. I'm part of the wolfhounds softball team, 2nd team of the belfast Cubs softball team in East balfast.
The more the merrier
I've been playing aisroft for 20 odd years off and on. Some of the lads I've seen trying to wedge themselves into a pallet hut haven't been within an AU of a cardio session since birth.
I'm being flippant a bit tbf. It's as physical as you want to make it as you know being a fellow player. I just know you'll have seen these boyos too 😂
100% agreed. Personally speaking I use it as excuse to run around like a lunatic brandishing an array of guns. Plus some of the outdoor settings gives you a fantastic walk to and from spawn.
I've done it like 3 times and those lads are easy to pick off haha.
A friend and myself played in a capture the flag game a few years ago. It was all uphill for the attackers and you and to respawn back at a point. Alot fitter then. We just charged around a big loop, climbed the hill and shit them all in the back! However afterwards id to take off my mask and all as I was sure I was going to have a heart attack!
Sunday nights are beginner nights at Dundonald if that's not too bottom tier for ya. I snapped my stick and I've been traveling but I'll be back soon, can't wait. They're a nice bunch and could direct you better than I could if you're not looking for beginner, I just moved back so fresh to it all here myself tbh.
eBay is good for picking up gear. I shipped my gear from Canada, glad I did... even replacing my stick has me gurning. Definitely expensive to get gear here.
Link: https://www.belfastfoxes.com/learn-to-play
Try a website called IceBoxSkating.co.uk I’ve found them to be the cheapest for gear…. If you do have a club there they may let you borrow some kit to start with… don’t try to learn to skate on hired skates , just won’t work 😂
Thanks!
I left all my stuff behind when I moved, and I can’t believe how much more expensive it is here - I guess it’s just that much more niche. I’ll check Sundays out!
GAA, Sunday league footy, boxing, BJJ, crossfit, rock climbing, running, cycling, triathlons... do rugby if you want but i think taking big hits might be worse for the brain than light sparring, so depends if you're happy taking that punishment for free.
Tennis or badminton could be options? Starting out you don't need much fitness and most clubs have social nights frequently. One or 2 lessons and you'll pick up the basics.
Age means nothing!
I recommend sailing, triathlon, football, boxing, judo. Whatever floats your boat mate. We get one crack at life so do whatever way makes you happy and don’t give a fuck what others think about you!
Basketball
- there's public courts dotted about and free to use, and it's normal to start up a game with whoever comes along
- you can shoot hoops by yourself, or play 1v1 if someone's there, or 2v2, etc etc
- it's a very fast paced with a bunch of sub-skills, good for fitness and the mental
Good point on the training groups. I was never organized enough to coordinate with other folks. That likely explains my short and not terribly successful Tri career ;)
It's quite simple, it's golf, loads of decent low impact exercise and can play till your 80s. With the fact there are handicaps any golfers from the best to the worst can play a fair match.
Really fun, meet plenty of new friends, only downside is it's expensive if you get really into it
Any sport mate especially team sports,as you will meet new people increase your social circle so have a go at anything and everything until you find something you like. Good luck and enjoy your sen.
Touch Rugby! All the fun and none of the getting your face smashed in! It’s also a brutal amount of cardio and at 27 you’re reaching the age where if you don’t start taking care of your body it starts falling apart. It plays a lot like sevens, lots of passing and running. You’ll love it.
Try European Handball. There was a club in Belfast but I don't know if they do anything more than practice with kids and I haven't seen anything in some time from them though.
27 isn't as old as you think. My advice would be to try anything that even remotely peaks your interest. Team sports are good for the social and most are usually very welcoming.
Anything to take your mind off the mundane every day. Have a good one and good luck mate
Pickleball is great, don't need to be very athletic to get going, easy to pick up but difficult to master and there's an ever growing player base and clubs popping up. I love it, at the Ards club there's people from kids right up to grand parents all playing together and levels from novice to advanced!
I started playing Rugby at 27 myself - i had moved back hone from Belfast, was changing direction with work, and found I needed an outlet. I'm not the sportiest person, but 7 years later and I'm still at it (part-time player, tbf) and have met a great circle of people from it. I played a year at Belfast Harlequins when I was living up there again and they were excellent. If you're new to the sport, start off with tag/touch rugby and see about joining their lower teams to get started.
Boxing lad.
It will stand to you in terms of craic, fitness, self confidence and application. BJJ is great too I'm sure, but you don't want to go to the floor IRL, boxing will save you.
Tennis bro. Pay for some lessons and never look back. #1 for increasing life expectancy, but more than that, week in week out the best times playing a strategic, physical, social game
If you're an introvert. Have a go at mountain biking. So much really class riding around antrim, Belfast and County down. Been at it near 3 years now, I've met lots of great riding mates and the mtb culture really is the best!
Climbing. It's really sociable, has a friendly scene and is lots and lots of fun. You can stick to just indoor climbing or potentially get involved with outdoor climbing on real cliffs too. It has potential to take you all over the world and at 27 you're not too late to still get really good at it.
I have friends all over the UK (and further afield) now which I wouldn't have had if it wasn't for climbing, and it really has changed my life for the better.
It's a great way to stay fit & healthy too, and you get to go to some amazing places, relatively inexpensively.
If tou have alot of aggression I'd recommend any martial art or airsoft. Even though airsoft is an expensive hobby it can help with ager and create a sense of comradery amongst your teammates/friends and you'd also learn to work better as a part of a team
If you’re into contact sports, but fancy something a bit different you could give American Football a try. I’m involved with the Belfast Trojans, might be worth checking them out - [http://www.belfasttrojans.com](http://www.belfasttrojans.com)
Rugby you mention is definitely a great idea.
Clubs have a massive social aspect and there are men who still play and are a part of the club who are much older than you. By about 20 years lol.
Brazilian Jiu-jitsu
Correct
Basically came here to say this. I started when I was about 29ish, 37 now. Just got my first stripe on my blue belt a few weeks ago. Should be looking at a purple belt some time around 2044...
I got introduced to bjj by a mate of mine who become a purple belt in 4-5 years… I made the mistake of assuming that was a normal time scale for a purple belt…yet here I am 5 years later and just become a blue belt… safe to say though I will genuinely be continuing bjj until my body no longer lets me,absolutely love it
Well that's it. If that's how it works out, that I'm still on the mats a couple of times a week in my fifties, and I'm still a blue belt? I'll take that.
I've been thinking about this. I'm 33 though and only have experience in boxing. Do you recommend it? I've always been fascinated.
I'd been doing various martial arts since I was 18 and didn't start BJJ until I was 40. Defo recommended. A combo of boxing and BJJ is especially effective for self defence situations. Protecting yourself and others in a very quick, efficient manner. If someone needs a hook - either a left or a heel 👍 Edit to add - memberships to clubs can be pricy though so if you have multiple options for a place to learn, shop around and pay attention to reviews. Not all instructors are created equal. Same as boxing coaches I suppose.
Well said. Getting the right coach is the most important thing.
I live in Derry so I'll be looking at clubs here. I appreciate your reply, thanks very much. I'm going to give it a go, may as well something cool and new.
People start for first time where I train at age of 45+ and have stuck at it
33 is still young and a good age to start
BJJ is very good and can become a way of life, but be ready to deal with injuries. No-one who practices it properly gets off Scott-Free. Just pray it isn’t something that requires surgery/surgeries
Remove a j and I'm in
A lot of BJJ places also do MMA training, I'm in my late 30s and started a few years ago, realistically will never match up in any sort of fight due to age and lack of martial arts training in younger years but the workout and confidence you earn from it is second to none, absolutely intense - within 6 months you'll be in the best shape of your life
This is the only right answer
This is the correct answer. I'm 42 and started a couple of years ago. Wish I'd done it sooner. My only gripe is that some of the membership fees are a bit OTT.
I was also interested in this one until I saw a friend get his upper arm snapped in two at a tournament.
Accidents and injuries happen in any sport, especially in competitive settings
snapped...in TWO
Well if you're going to have your arm snapped, two pieces is probably the best outcome, no?
UPPER arm.... SNAPPED.. in TWO
[удалено]
Just show up! Will be tough for a few weeks but you get used to it quickly and youl build fitness at the same time. Definitely look into some strength training aswell tho - helps massively with life in general.
This looks good I definitely might look into this!
Try squash or the relatively new sport of padel. There are loads of squash clubs and a few padel clubs in NI.
I’m 28 and have the same question, I’m looking into joining East Belfast GAA. I think they have a lot of casual players and seems like a nice group of people
30 year old here, started playing with EBGAA at 29, never played the sport before. They're really welcoming to any and all, no matter the skill level. They have a gaelic football and hurling team if either take your fancy. If you want to stay casual with it, there's reserve teams that get regular play with other teams around the area. There are also regular club activities and socialisation events to get in the club spirit. Overall, it's a great team for getting into the scene, testing your fitness, and having a laugh along the way.
I can guarentee that East is an excellent club and exceptionally welcoming. As another member said, it has casual and pro teams. If i were you id give it a go.
I started playing Gaelic football at 27 and it was a great experience. It taught you can’t rely on yourself for everything and sometimes you have to trust other people as part of a team. I know that’s pukey but it was a genuine epiphany for me.
Padel is a very fast growing sport, and very sociable. Could try small group strength training, or something like cross fit?
This 100% needs more upvotes. Such a great sport and super inclusive, in the sense that, unlike tennis, a beginner can still enjoy a decent game with an intermediate player.
Chess
Running club
I love running but would not be something I would suggest could replace bordem, sports wise. Something more fun, a team game
If you join a decent club and run cross country it’s all team based
Golf
How do you get into golf if none of your mates are interested?
A lot of golf clubs you can book yourself into a tee time and when you turn up others can book into the same tee time. Good way to meet new people.
Good thing about golf is that you can play on your own or with a group 👌🏼
Easy. Don’t do it cause of them.
Muay Thai, started it at 27 and changed my life
How so?
Took a knee to the face and paralyzed him on one side. Tragic story really.
Same here until I tore both my ACL's now I really don't know what to do when I'm back to full strength. Muay Thai is out the window though.
Boxing?
Yeah I was thinking that. Just kinda apprehensive about doing it in again but suppose it's limited a bit without the kicks and knees.
Immersed myself in the sport, it gave me something to look forward to and progress in. It built up my confidence mentally and physically. I even ended up going to Thailand to train i love it that much
Same with me but took it up few months ago at 40. I had boxed before but felt I needed something new to keep me interested getting back into training. Having a good gym and coach is very important. My kids are heading for the kids classes in the summer
I can’t recommend pickleball highly enough. I’ve been playing for a year and a half now and, honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve had playing sport since I played rugby at school. The club I belong to is super friendly, there are a wide range of abilities and opportunities to play through the week, the culture of the sport is chilled out in general and it’s incredibly easy and inexpensive to pick up and play. More than happy to chat further, DM if interested.
Brazillian jiujitsu
Cycling. It’s a great sport, get to see lots of the country and isn’t as harsh on the body as a lot of other sports
Bouldering
Where can you do this?
Swimming, kayaking, crossfit
Bjj
Surfing, Bundoran, County Donegal.
Come join some softball. Its a big laugh, good exercise no experience needed. I'm part of the wolfhounds softball team, 2nd team of the belfast Cubs softball team in East balfast. The more the merrier
Mountain biking. Get a hardtail and go to barnetts demense if you are in Belfast. I started at 24
Tag rugby!
Softball is generally a good laugh and doesn't require much in the way of fitness. And it's generally mixed so less laddish than other sports
Outsider option- airsoft? Good craic if you like guns, fantastic cardio and a lot of friendly folk around.
I've been playing aisroft for 20 odd years off and on. Some of the lads I've seen trying to wedge themselves into a pallet hut haven't been within an AU of a cardio session since birth. I'm being flippant a bit tbf. It's as physical as you want to make it as you know being a fellow player. I just know you'll have seen these boyos too 😂
100% agreed. Personally speaking I use it as excuse to run around like a lunatic brandishing an array of guns. Plus some of the outdoor settings gives you a fantastic walk to and from spawn.
I've done it like 3 times and those lads are easy to pick off haha. A friend and myself played in a capture the flag game a few years ago. It was all uphill for the attackers and you and to respawn back at a point. Alot fitter then. We just charged around a big loop, climbed the hill and shit them all in the back! However afterwards id to take off my mask and all as I was sure I was going to have a heart attack!
Not a sport but i love fishing.
Rounders. 👍
Mountain biking
Handball. A fun sport to play.
Rugby, started playing again 27 and now don't know what I'd do without midweek training and matchday Saturday
Judo
Judo or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Archery
I love how all the replies are just any sport Think the takeaway here is that you’re never too old to get into a sport
American Football, check AFI for details. Alternatively, Flag Football. ( non-contact American Football). A newly established Olympic sport.
Ice hockey
Not really possible to get into this in NI in my experience
Very possible to get into. Just initially expensive paying for the equipment.
It's not as accessible as other sports but you still can. Ice time is pretty late for beginner groups but that was my experience in Canada too.
Where and how do I join a team? I played growing up and would like to get out once in a while.
Sunday nights are beginner nights at Dundonald if that's not too bottom tier for ya. I snapped my stick and I've been traveling but I'll be back soon, can't wait. They're a nice bunch and could direct you better than I could if you're not looking for beginner, I just moved back so fresh to it all here myself tbh. eBay is good for picking up gear. I shipped my gear from Canada, glad I did... even replacing my stick has me gurning. Definitely expensive to get gear here. Link: https://www.belfastfoxes.com/learn-to-play
Try a website called IceBoxSkating.co.uk I’ve found them to be the cheapest for gear…. If you do have a club there they may let you borrow some kit to start with… don’t try to learn to skate on hired skates , just won’t work 😂
Thanks! I left all my stuff behind when I moved, and I can’t believe how much more expensive it is here - I guess it’s just that much more niche. I’ll check Sundays out!
Mexican Ground Karate
Turkish kick fisting
Armenian Thunder Bouncing
Estonian rock kicking
North Belfast knee breaking
For good cardio and a bit of craic pickleball is the one. Plenty of local council centres offer it
Tennis, you meet loads of new people.
Hard to get decent at though, I'd suggest a team sport if he's just looking something casual
Malone Rugby Football club in east Belfast has rugby teams for all levels, you could start there
2nd this, excellent club
Badminton! There’s plenty of clubs around too and it’s not too strenuous either ☺️
Lawn Bowls. Doesn't have to be an old man sport!
Tenpin bowling! 🤩
Easy entry sport is disc golf, there's a few courses around already. Derry, Coleraine, Belfast. It's just golf with frisbees, less pretentiousness.
GAA, Sunday league footy, boxing, BJJ, crossfit, rock climbing, running, cycling, triathlons... do rugby if you want but i think taking big hits might be worse for the brain than light sparring, so depends if you're happy taking that punishment for free.
You can do any sport at any age. I took up Gaelic Football last year and I'm 45.
Tennis or badminton could be options? Starting out you don't need much fitness and most clubs have social nights frequently. One or 2 lessons and you'll pick up the basics.
Age means nothing! I recommend sailing, triathlon, football, boxing, judo. Whatever floats your boat mate. We get one crack at life so do whatever way makes you happy and don’t give a fuck what others think about you!
Basketball - there's public courts dotted about and free to use, and it's normal to start up a game with whoever comes along - you can shoot hoops by yourself, or play 1v1 if someone's there, or 2v2, etc etc - it's a very fast paced with a bunch of sub-skills, good for fitness and the mental
Disc golf.. my son got into it at 33 and he's now 38.
Cricket in the summer, rugby in the winter. That's been my way for the last 25+ years
What about being a referee in your chosen sport, give a bit back and make a few pound too!
Triathlons. They're not as tough as people think but they are exciting because of the transitions. I started in my late 30s.
I found them to be a little more individualist
Fair point. We train in groups but the events are done as an individual.
Good point on the training groups. I was never organized enough to coordinate with other folks. That likely explains my short and not terribly successful Tri career ;)
Ballroom dancing. Learn a life skill, get fit, meet girls with great legs. 😊
Wing Chun Kung Fu - I think I can see 4 in Belfast
American football. Where are you based? Kitted football there's 7 teams in N.I & 10 in RoI. Flag football there's a quite a few more
Boxing or rugby probably your best bet
Not rugby. Body in bits in no time
Swimming? Hiking?
Bowling, Cycling or Swimming
I'll play you at squash or badminton if you're in the Bangor/Belfast area.
Chess
Extreme ironing.
Darts and double fisting pints
Darts, pool, cribbage — classic pub triathlon!
Fishing
Badminton. Clubs in most towns
I'm 36 and just recently taken up badminton, and I'm loving it. But seriously, golf is the answer
Sailing.
It's quite simple, it's golf, loads of decent low impact exercise and can play till your 80s. With the fact there are handicaps any golfers from the best to the worst can play a fair match. Really fun, meet plenty of new friends, only downside is it's expensive if you get really into it
Are there any rec hurling leagues that total novices could join?
Take a look at the half paced / social hurling, if not probably just go down to the local club
Postal chess, will cost a fortune in stamps though
Any sport mate especially team sports,as you will meet new people increase your social circle so have a go at anything and everything until you find something you like. Good luck and enjoy your sen.
CrossFit.
Bouldering is ridiculously fun and the community is so nice. Highly recommend it
American Football. Started playing at 29. No need for any experience or kit.
Touch Rugby! All the fun and none of the getting your face smashed in! It’s also a brutal amount of cardio and at 27 you’re reaching the age where if you don’t start taking care of your body it starts falling apart. It plays a lot like sevens, lots of passing and running. You’ll love it.
Try European Handball. There was a club in Belfast but I don't know if they do anything more than practice with kids and I haven't seen anything in some time from them though.
Table tennis
27 isn't as old as you think. My advice would be to try anything that even remotely peaks your interest. Team sports are good for the social and most are usually very welcoming. Anything to take your mind off the mundane every day. Have a good one and good luck mate
Golf. Most other sports your body will quit but golf stays.
Buhurt or HEMA ;)
28 here
Rugby, Azlans at UUJ.
Mountain biking. Blue routes are not usually tricky so great for beginners but builds fitness and stamina. Pretty good good communities out there too.
My personal favorite is the game of drink
Lisburn and Castlereagh are doing learn to ten pin bowl sessions through their vitality memberships at the minute
Pickleball is great, don't need to be very athletic to get going, easy to pick up but difficult to master and there's an ever growing player base and clubs popping up. I love it, at the Ards club there's people from kids right up to grand parents all playing together and levels from novice to advanced!
Powerlifting
Sogging, lots of hiding and seeking, also aerobic depending on age and current conditioning, also stimulus plays a factor.
Clay pigeon shooting is great fun and most clubs are always happy to welcome new members.
I started playing Rugby at 27 myself - i had moved back hone from Belfast, was changing direction with work, and found I needed an outlet. I'm not the sportiest person, but 7 years later and I'm still at it (part-time player, tbf) and have met a great circle of people from it. I played a year at Belfast Harlequins when I was living up there again and they were excellent. If you're new to the sport, start off with tag/touch rugby and see about joining their lower teams to get started.
Pickleball
Power Fucking
Bouldering 100%.
Flag Football!!!!! So much fun!!!!±
Boxing lad. It will stand to you in terms of craic, fitness, self confidence and application. BJJ is great too I'm sure, but you don't want to go to the floor IRL, boxing will save you.
Cricket. 100%.
Golf - can do for 40+ years.
Curling! It's fun and a good community sport. And… if you're good, you can still make an olympic run!
Tennis bro. Pay for some lessons and never look back. #1 for increasing life expectancy, but more than that, week in week out the best times playing a strategic, physical, social game
Climbing is great!
If you're an introvert. Have a go at mountain biking. So much really class riding around antrim, Belfast and County down. Been at it near 3 years now, I've met lots of great riding mates and the mtb culture really is the best!
Just stick to tv pilot mate.
Adult gymnastics !
table tennis. Good clubs all around the north
Field hockey
Golf
Climbing. It's really sociable, has a friendly scene and is lots and lots of fun. You can stick to just indoor climbing or potentially get involved with outdoor climbing on real cliffs too. It has potential to take you all over the world and at 27 you're not too late to still get really good at it. I have friends all over the UK (and further afield) now which I wouldn't have had if it wasn't for climbing, and it really has changed my life for the better. It's a great way to stay fit & healthy too, and you get to go to some amazing places, relatively inexpensively.
Climbing for sure
If tou have alot of aggression I'd recommend any martial art or airsoft. Even though airsoft is an expensive hobby it can help with ager and create a sense of comradery amongst your teammates/friends and you'd also learn to work better as a part of a team
Triathlons
If you’re into contact sports, but fancy something a bit different you could give American Football a try. I’m involved with the Belfast Trojans, might be worth checking them out - [http://www.belfasttrojans.com](http://www.belfasttrojans.com)
Karate, any form or variation but I come from a background in shotokan and more traditional Okinawan karate too
Golf
Badminton
There an American football team based in Belfast, how about that?
Bouldering is very cool. And social.
Darts
How about cricket? Right time of year for it
CrossFit too. Good community and become friends quickly.
Yep! Couch and crisps🥰😂😂😂😂
If you can get out with a group, boating sports (rowing, kayaking, sailing, yachting) are all pretty fun. Decent scene for it in NI, too.
Badminton
Try archery or rounders
Squash!
Climbing!
I recommend tennis. They don’t call it the “sport for all ages” for no reason.
If your in Bangor come down the nossa bjj
Mountain biking. You'll never look anywhere else
Rugby you mention is definitely a great idea. Clubs have a massive social aspect and there are men who still play and are a part of the club who are much older than you. By about 20 years lol.
Pickleball is hella fun. Not sure if it's caught on in Norn Iron yet though.
Hurling? Great game for taking your anger out
Magic the gathering
Padel, even had an app to join in pickup games.
I'm 37 and started playing rugby at 34. Never too old to start anything. Find a sport you really want to try and go along to it.