Today marks 10 years since Southport Rugby Club broke the world record for the longest ever game of rugby – raising over £36,000 for charity in the process.
The mammoth game at Waterloo Road lasted for an agonising 26 hours, 36 minutes, and 2 seconds.
It was organised by Gareth Lang who was aiming to raise £12,000 for a physio vest to help his daughter, then aged 10, to manage her cystic fibrosis, and also to support Alder Hey children’s hospital in Liverpool.
Thanks to the huge generosity of supporters at a packed ground, Gareth and the club managed to triple that amount and break the world record in the process.
Gareth Lang said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole decade since Southport RFC took on (and survived!) the longest game of rugby ever played — 26 hours, 36 minutes, and 2 seconds of non-stop tackles, tries, and tears… mainly from grown men trying to stay upright.
“That incredible effort raised over £36,000 for charity — including a physio vest for my child, major donations to Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, and a lifetime of memories that still make us laugh (and wince) today.
“Since then, our amazing rugby family has stayed at the heart of the community — taking on the epic Ellis Expedition, in support of the NHS organising Ladies Days, and raising funds for causes close to our hearts like breast cancer, MND, and most recently, a Colour Run in support of Elsie’s Story.
“We had no idea back then what we were doing or the legacy this event would leave, or how much it would shape the character of everyone involved, many or whom still have this on their CV when applying for jobs.
“One thing’s for sure — this is what community rugby is all about.
“Here’s to the team, the bruises, the blisters, and the big-hearted madness of it all.
“Happy 10 years, Southport Rugby Club — we still haven’t fully recovered!”
The players began playing at 3pm on Friday 31st July 2015 and carried on through daylight and darkness, sunshine and rain for their unique charity match.
The match surpassed the previous record which had been held by Bromsgrove RFC, who had set the bar at 25 hours, 59 minutes and 47 seconds.
Southport Rugby Football Club play world’s longest rugby match: Roll of honour
Team A:
Adam Lang
Ben Cresswell
Calum Monaghan
Chris Drescher
Colin Fearns
Colin Toohey
Craig Pacey
Dan Aindow
Forest Bailey
Graham Riley
Jake Mann
James Rodd
Joe Mawdsley
Jordan Caldwell
Mark Astwood
Martin Bailey
Mike Dale
Phil Antrobus
Gareth Lang
Rik Potter
Ryan Bailey
Tim Holland
Tom Hill
Team B:
Adam Atkinson
Clarke Walton
Dan Cresswell
Dan Whalen
Danny Banks
Danny Booth
Dylan Norbury
Hugh Ellis
Jake McMullen
James Doran
Jason Keating
Jimmy Thomas
Josh Critchley
Kris Griffiths
Liam Webb
Rei Chambers
Richie Neve
Robert White
Sam Cross
Sam Whitfield
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