Mark Pawsey MP playing for the Commons and Lords Team against Australia. Photos used with kind permission of Cemex/Jamie Gray Photography.
Last Sunday local MP Mark Pawsey joined Parliamentarians and dignitaries from around the world, including the UK Commons and Lords, Welsh Assembly, France, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand for the opening games of the Parliamentary World Cup 2015 at Rugby School. The Parliamentary World Cup, being held for the 6th time, takes place the week before the Rugby World Cup in the host nation and sees Parliamentarians from around the world compete, as well as fostering international relationships.
Mark said:
“The Parliamentary World Cup is a fantastic opportunity ahead of the Rugby World Cup to promote our international ties through the game and playing against colleagues from around the world. Sport can bring people together in a way that few other things can.”
Mark continued:
“Parliamentarians from around the world come together over a shared love of the game and this promotes lasting international friendships between players. I know that on Sunday evening, the players travelled back to London with a really positive impression of Rugby thanks to the warm welcome they received here. They were also honoured to learn more about where the game began in the surroundings of Rugby School.”
Mark concluded:
“It was an honour to be able to bring the Parliamentary World Cup to the birthplace of the game. I would like to thank Rugby School for giving us the opportunity to play on the Close, the historic site where the game was invented as well as all those who have made the tournament possible.”