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Clubs once used by captains of disorderly crews (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

irons

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'clubs' is the definition.
(I know this)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for irons that I've seen before include "sporting equipment" , "Golfclubs with metal hands" , "English player" , "Presses clothes" , "Jeremy ---, Br. actor; golf clubs" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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