London Welsh set to host two-day feast of rugby
LONDON Welsh will mark the first anniversary since their rebirth as a members-controlled community club with a full two-day festival of rugby at their Old Deer Park home on Friday 9, and Saturday, February 10.
The festival will also raise much-needed funds for Restart Rugby, a charity that helps rugby players who have been forced to stop playing due to injury.
On the Friday night one of Wales’ greatest players Gareth Edwards will be the guest of honour at a charity dinner in support of the Voyagers Rugby charity supporting amateur rugby players, and on the Saturday all the action will build up to the showing of the England v Wales Six Nations match on numerous big-screen televisions in a marquee.
Gareth said:“I’m very much looking forward to visiting London Welsh, catching up with old friends, and helping the build-up to the Six Nations match at Twickenham.
“The evening will also be a great chance to raise money for The Voyagers who do great work to help rugby players in need.”
Three matches will take place on the Saturday. One being a match between a former and present London Welsh side and a Welsh Rugby Charity Veterans XV that features former Welsh internationals Iestyn Harries, Richie Rees and Ian Gough.
Former London Welsh player Ed Jackson is the guest of honour for the weekend, and £5 from every ticket will go to Restart Rugby, which has been helping Ed recover from spinal injuries that forced him to retire.
Ed said: “Since my accident Restart Rugby has been invaluable in supporting my rehabilitation. It has given me the opportunity to attack this challenge head on and has undoubtedly played a huge part in my recovery.
“I spent two memorable years playing for London Welsh in which time we won the Championship and secured the club’s first season in the Premiership. I am pleased that we have had a great response from past and present players for the charity match and have put together a strong team to take on a star-studded Welsh Rugby Charity side that boasts 11 Welsh internationals and two British Lions.”
Just over a year ago the London Welsh professional side went bust and the club have been forced to restart at the ninth tier of English rugby, in the Herts and Middlesex League 1.
Under former Welsh international Sonny Parker and ex-Ospreys player Cai Griffiths, who will both be playing for the London Welsh side, the Exiles now sit top of the league.
If they hold their form they will be promoted to the London leagues and with it take their first step on their way back to the national leagues.
For further information www.londonwelshrfc.com.