Rugby’s mental health charity LooseHeadz have successfully surpassed the Guinness World Record for the longest games of men’s and women’s rugby, subject to official verification.
The matches at Mullingar Rugby Club in County Westmeath, Ireland, kicked off at 8am on Wednesday (18th June), seeing players from across the UK and Ireland come together to raise awareness and over £100,000 to support mental health initiatives in rugby communities.
The previous men’s record, which stood at 30 hours 29 minutes and 41 seconds, was surpassed on Thursday afternoon, with the game continuing until shortly after 8pm.
The women’s record of 24 hours, 5 minutes and 15 seconds was also surpassed, with a new benchmark of 26 hours and 33 minutes.
Club players were supported by on-field participation from England Red Roses including Tamara Taylor and encouraged from the touchline by British & Irish legends, including ex-Ireland winger Tommy Bowe, ex-Scotland full-back Gavin Hastings, ex-Wales wing Ieuan Evans and The British & Irish Lions CEO Ben Calveley.
The successful record attempt was run in partnership with Wooden Spoon, fellow official charity partner of The British & Irish Lions. Wooden Spoon is a rugby charity that helps disadvantaged and disabled children through the power of rugby.
Donations have already surpassed £110,000. Further donations can be made via JustGiving.
The event forms part of LooseHeadz’s ongoing mission to save lives by placing a mental health lead at every rugby club around the world, aimed at not just setting a new benchmark in rugby history, but at driving a larger conversation around mental health.
LooseHeadz will launch their mental health awareness campaign initiative ‘Hugby’ at tonight’s international fixture between The Lions and Argentina at Aviva Stadium. Much like footballers taking the knee before kick-off in a stand against racism, Hugby will encourage players, fans and all inside the Aviva Stadium to hug one another immediately after Argentina’s national anthem, providing a watershed moment for tackling the stigma of mental health in rugby.
Players who took part in both the men’s and women’s record-breaking matches will also parade the pitch at half-time of The Lions game in Dublin.
Rob Shotton, co-founder of LooseHeadz, said: “We’re buzzing to have broken two Guinness World Records for the longest games of rugby – and it’s all thanks to the grit, determination, and togetherness of every men’s and women’s player, the volunteers, the organisers, the physios, and those at Mullingar Rugby Club.
“What began on Tuesday evening with a group of strangers quickly became something much bigger. We leave not just as team-mates, but as mates for life. That’s the power of rugby.
“As rugby’s mental health charity, we hope setting this record helps shine a light on an important message – tackling the stigma around mental health in our sport.
“And we’re not stopping here. The conversation continues with our ‘Hugby’ campaign, kicking off just before The British & Irish Lions take on Argentina at the Aviva Stadium this evening. “We started the charity eight years ago while watching The Lions on TV in our local rugby club, and now we are activating on the biggest stage in world rugby alongside The Lions.”
Gavin Hastings, former Scotland and Lions full-back, 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, and we can now come together as a rugby community once again tonight, to launch the ‘Hugby’ campaign at Aviva Stadium.”
World Record official rules
Hosted at Shay Murtagh Park, the Guinness World Record attempt saw men’s and women’s matches with 15 players and eight roll-on, roll-off substitutes per team run through the night. Rules stipulated play must be continuous, in accordance with official rugby union rules. All participants were dressed in traditional rugby union attire, with referees rotating for a maximum of four hours at a time.
All players were required to be present at the venue throughout the attempt with players not involved on the field of play pitch side, except for five-minute comfort breaks. Food and drink was allowed, consumed at pitch side.
