Rugby world record is set
Edinburgh's Gavin Hastings, chair of The Lions Trust, has paid tribute to the players who set a new world record for playing rugby union non stop in the name of charity.
The event was staged in Mullingar with the principal beneficiary being mental health charity LooseHeadz as well as Wooden Spoon.
More than £100,000 has been raised – and counting – with a number of Scots taking part.
Hastings, who captained the Lions in 1993, said: 'Congratulations to LooseHeadz and Wooden Spoon for a phenomenal achievement.
'I have huge respect and admiration for all the men and women who took part in this world record-breaking feat in Mullingar over the past two days.
'As rugby's mental health charity, LooseHeadz, is tackling the stigma of mental health and the money raised from this challenge will go towards ensuring every rugby club has a dedicated mental health lead.
'It is amazing moment to celebrate.'
The men's game lasted for just over 36 hours beating the previous best of 30 hours, 29 mins, 41 secs in the lead up to the Lions pre tour fixture with Argentina at the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, on Friday evening.
The women's game lasted 26 hours, 33 mins beating the previous best of 24 hours, 5 mins, 41 secs.
The Lions Trust 'exists to connect with, nurture and support all Lions players in need whilst furthering the spirit, values and ethos of The British & Irish Lions throughout rugby clubs across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales'. The Lions Trustees are Richard Hill, Jamie Roberts, Tommy Bowe and Gavin Hastings photographed below.
Photo courtesy of The Lions Trust
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