Rugby MP Mark Pawsey led his Parliamentary colleagues onto the hallowed turf of Twickenham for the Commons and Lords Rugby Football Club’s annual charity match in support of Try for Change.
The Commons and Lords team were playing against a team from the Darwin Group, who have sponsored the Commons and Lords Team for a number of years. The two teams played four quarters of rugby, with the first being played as touch rugby and then the remaining three quarters played with “golden oldies” rules. MPs from across the political spectrum took part, including Sir Mike Penning who managed to not only score a try, but also make the conversion.
Over £10,000 was raised by the two teams over the course of the day, with the money going towards the Rugby Football Union charity Try for Change. Try for Change, which is partnered with Sport Relief, uses rugby as a force for good to help transform the lives of disadvantaged and marginalised communities in England and throughout the world.
Speaking after the match, Rugby MP Mark Pawsey said:
“As Chair of the Commons and Lords Rugby Football Club it is a great privilege to be able to take part in these matches alongside colleagues from across the House of Commons and House of Lords. Not only are we able to raise money for some amazing causes, such as Try for Change, but we’re also able to bring people together in a way which only sport can.”
Mark continued:
“I am really pleased that we were able to raise over £10,000 for Try for Change. The charity does great work with some of the most disadvantaged groups in the country as well as carrying out international work with other rugby organisations. Getting people involved in sport can have a transformative effect on their lives, particularly in terms of health and mental health and to be able to support this work is something which every player was proud of last week.”