Charities break two world records in epic rugby match

Wooden Spoon Ambassador Tamara Taylor helped to break a world record for The Longest Game of Rugby ever played.

Two teams have officially made rugby history at Mullingar RFC, Ireland, where they completed the Longest Games of Rugby ever played, with the women’s team clocking an astonishing 26 hours and 33 minutes, and the men’s team pushing through to an incredible 34 hours and 48 minutes of continuous play. (The footage from the matches is currently being verified by Guinness World Records.)

Among the inspiring players taking part was Tamara Taylor, former England international and Rugby World Cup winner. With over 100 caps for her country and a reputation as one of the most respected figures in the game, Tamara brought invaluable experience and leadership to the pitch. Her participation elevated the event, inspiring fellow players and spectators alike as she pushed herself alongside teammates in this ultimate test of endurance.

What began as an ambitious challenge turned into an unforgettable display of resilience, teamwork, and sheer determination as players faced extreme conditions over the two-day event.

With relentless heat bearing down on Wednesday, several participants battled heatstroke, pushing their bodies to the limit. The local fire brigade came to the rescue, filling water baths on site to help players cool down and stay safe in the searing temperatures. As night fell, a new challenge emerged: cold mist and damp air that settled in overnight. But the teams dug deep, supporting each other every step of the way.

As the sun rose on Thursday morning, exhaustion gave way to adrenaline, and with the finish line in sight, both teams summoned their final reserves of strength to break not one, but two world records.

Their historic achievement was celebrated in front of a roaring crowd at the Aviva Stadium last Friday evening as the British & Irish Lions took on Argentina. The players were honoured at halftime with a pitch walk and greeted with thunderous applause as official world record holders.

So far, the event has raised an incredible £115,000 in support of three amazing charities: Wooden Spoon, LooseHeadz, and The Lions Trust, which will help save lives and support children through the power of rugby.

“This was about more than breaking records,” said Matt Bishop, Wooden Spoon player. “It was about community, perseverance, and doing something extraordinary to support causes we care deeply about. Every blister, bruise, and sleepless hour was worth it.”

Sarah Webb: We are incredibly grateful to every single player who took part in this extraordinary effort. Not only did they break world records – they’ve helped change lives. The funds raised will make a huge difference to the children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage that we support at Wooden Spoon. This was a phenomenal act of grit, determination, and community.”

A big thank you to our sponsors who helped make The Longest Game happen: LMAX Exchange, ICS Mortgages, Canterbury, OPRO, NOCCO, d3 tape.

Participants in the Longest Game from the North and Midlands (UK):

Eleanor Ferrie, Jack Badhan, John Clements, Laura Turner, Lauren Hanley, Robin Callaway, Stuart Bage, Ali Mackenzie-Cooper, Ella Wylie, Gareth Hummerston, Hailey Coutts, Jacqueline Louise Davis, Jess Cheesman, Jess Kneebone, Jessica Courtman, Johnathan Alexander Zemlik, Jonathan Cartwright, Josh Bate, Joshua Jones, Ken Sugden, Kirstie Standish, Lauren Roberts, Mark Whitfield, Neal Patterson, Nicola Caldwell, Nigel Brierley, Odin Hopwood, Patrick Cronin, Rachel Massey, Rebecca Smart, Rebeckah Mallard, Sammy Moore, TAMARA TAYLOR, Yasmin Crehan, Zachary Johns.