STARS of rugby union made a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the game on Sunday (February 5) to officially kick off celebrations marking 200 years since the sport was created.
England World Cup winner Mike Tindall MBE and 2019 World Rugby’s Women’s Player of the Year Emily Scarratt MBE were at Rugby School to launch the Global Pass, when 200 rugby balls will be passed around the world.
They were joined in the first ball passes by fellow 2023 patron and former Scotland player Alex Grove, Rugby Football Union President Nigel Gillingham, junior sport minister Stuart Andrew MP, Mark Pawsey MP, Mayor Carolyn Watson-Merret, and the school’s Executive Head Master Peter Green.
Left to right: His Honour Giles Forrester; Mark Pawsey MP, Mayor Carolyn Watson-Merret and Mayor’s Cadet Luke Ashton.
More than 150 guests took turns to pass the Global Pass ball before it joined the other 199 anniversary rugby balls – made by local firm Gilbert Rugby – to be sent to 200 rugby enthusiasts around the world to continue the bicentenary global pass.
Mike said: “It’s fantastic to be here at Rugby School, and to stand on the pitch where the game was created is iconic in itself.
“Being the bicentenary of the game, it’s great to be involved in something that’s played such a big role in my life.
“Thanks to Rugby School and the sponsors who have given their time to help honour and respect the game that has given me so much.”
Emily added: “It’s really good to be here, at the birthplace of the game, that has meant so much to me.
“I was delighted to hear that Rugby School girls’ team played their first match on The Close yesterday and that the next bicentenary match will be England v Wales U18s Women’s International.”
Peter Green said it was a great start to Rugby School’s year of marking rugby football’s 200th birthday to have three 2023 patrons joining in the global pass – the first of many events planned this year.
He added: “All of us at the school are so proud that what we think of as our game is played all over the world as a result of one defiant schoolboy taking matters into his own hands.”
Visit www.rugbyschool.co.uk/200-anniversary/events for a full list of bicentenary matches, exhibitions and events, each of which will be linked to a rugby-related charity.
