Latest news with #RobShotton
RTÉ News
19-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Attempt for longest game of men's rugby under way in Mullingar
An attempt to break the world record for the longest game of men's rugby is under way. Earlier today the record for the longest game of women's rugby was broken. Tagged as 'The Longest Game', the event smashed the women's record of 24 hours and 5 minutes earlier this morning. The men's record stands at 30 hours 29 minutes and could be broken in Mullingar at 3pm this afternoon. The games began at Mullingar Rugby Club at 8am yesterday morning. Ninety-two players across four teams took part in the non-stop match. The records comprised of two men's squads of 23 players each and two women's teams of 23 players each. The games have been 15-a-side and players are being rotated to allow for rest. Support teams, including physios, medics and chefs, ensured participants stayed fuelled and in shape, while regular water breaks have also been permitted. However, it is more than just a test of physical endurance as the aim is to raise money for charity. The charities who will benefit are mental health charity LooseHeadz and Wooden Spoon, which support children and young people playing rugby and the British and Irish Lions Trust. "We want to go above and beyond the standard 80 minutes of a rugby game and we're hoping to raise over £100,000 (€117,110)," said Rob Shotton, co-founder of LooseHeadz. This will go towards efforts to tackle the stigma around mental health in rugby, raise awareness "and most importantly, improve and save lives". "We're incredibly proud to be partnering with Wooden Spoon in this historic event; with their help, we've strengthened the foundations around mental health awareness," Mr Shotton said. While the men's team will break the record at 3pm this afternoon, they intend to continue playing until 10pm tonight to ensure their record is not broken for some time to come.
RTÉ News
19-06-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Longest game of men's rugby world record attempt under way
An attempt to break the world record for the longest game of men's rugby is under way. Earlier today the record for the longest game of women's rugby was broken. Tagged as 'The Longest Game', the event smashed the women's record of 24 hours and 5 minutes earlier this morning. The men's record stands at 30 hours 29 minutes and could be broken in Mullingar at 3pm this afternoon. The games began at Mullingar Rugby Club at 8am yesterday morning. Ninety-two players across four teams took part in the non-stop match. The records comprised of two men's squads of 23 players each and two women's teams of 23 players each. The games have been 15-a-side and players are being rotated to allow for rest. Support teams, including physios, medics and chefs, ensured participants stayed fuelled and in shape, while regular water breaks have also been permitted. However, it is more than just a test of physical endurance as the aim is to raise money for charity. The charities who will benefit are mental health charity LooseHeadz and Wooden Spoon, which support children and young people playing rugby and the British and Irish Lions Trust. "We want to go above and beyond the standard 80 minutes of a rugby game and we're hoping to raise over £100,000 (€117,110)," said Rob Shotton, co-founder of LooseHeadz. This will go towards efforts to tackle the stigma around mental health in rugby, raise awareness "and most importantly, improve and save lives". "We're incredibly proud to be partnering with Wooden Spoon in this historic event; with their help, we've strengthened the foundations around mental health awareness," Mr Shotton said. While the men's team will break the record at 3pm this afternoon, they intend to continue playing until 10pm tonight to ensure their record isn't broken for some time to come.
