England v Ireland Rugby Legends Charity Match
Played in fond memory of Gary ‘Gazza’ Halpin
Friday 11th March, KO: 7.15pm
Twickenham Stoop
Sponsored by Ark
England Captains: Mike Tindall & Tom May
Ireland Captain: Shayne Byrne
We are delighted to announce that the England v Ireland Legends is scheduled to take place this year at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday 11th March.
In memory of Gary ‘Gazza’ Halpin
This year the Legends match will be played in memory of one of rugby’s true great characters – Gary Halpin. Loved for his wonderful sense of humour and brilliant spirit, Gary was a huge supporter of the Legends and played many times for the Irish Legends. Famously known for his try against the All Blacks in 1995, Gary also played for Leinster, London Irish & Quins before retiring from professional rugby. Gary sadly passed away suddenly last year and is hugely missed by all that knew and loved him.
Raising money for charities
Like most charities across the globe, the last two years has had a huge, detrimental impact to fundraising. We are hoping to turn that around this year and really make a difference to the players chosen charities and raise a lot of invaluable funds for them.
Sportingclass will manage the event in partnership with Harvey Thorneycroft Ltd and proceeds from the 2022 Legends Match will go to the following charities: The RPA Restart Rugby, Cure Parkinson’s Trust, Alzheimer’s Society & Rugby Players Ireland Foundation.
Every year rugby legends volunteer to play free of charge to raise funds for charities, and to date have raised significantly over a million pounds for various charities – an incredible achievement!
The Legends event is planned to be fun, family entertainment and with U18 tickets costing only £5 we are hoping to see even more young, aspiring, rugby players come along, enjoy the match, love the entertainment, and support the players & charities!
The emphasis has always been to raise as much money for charity as possible as well as ensuring everyone has a really enjoyable and fun evening. This year we will remember many friends that are not with us today, but our special thoughts and dedication of this match goes to an absolute Legend of Rugby & a wonderful man – Gary ‘Gazza’ Halpin.
THE LINE UP….
The England Legends is managed by Jason Leonard and will be captained by Mike Tindall & Tom May and include: Lee Dickson, Ben Foden, Jonny Barrett, Dave Strettle, Kevin Yates, Ollie Phillips, Paul Doran-Jones, Delon Armitage, Jordan Crane, Andy Gomarsall, Lee Mears, Ollie Smith, Tom Varndell, Ben Woods, Julian White, Matt Jess, Luke Narraway, David Rees, Hugh Vivyan, Garath Archer, Jon Phillips, Rob Cook & Robbie Morris
The Ireland Legends is captained by Shane Byrne and includes Gordon D’Arcy, Geordan Murphy, Billy Holland, Barry Everitt, Ian Keatley, Chris Henry, Tommy O’Donnell, Justin Bishop, Kevin Maggs, David Corkery, Liam Toland, Ronan O’Mahony, Duncan Williams, Anthony Horan, Denis Fogarty, Darragh Fanning, Stephen Keogh, Des Dillon. Gavin Duffy, Mel Deane, Simon Keogh & Brendan Burke.
Hospitality bookings are open now, please contact Andy at Sportingclass to book a private box or restaurant space. E:andyl@sportingclass.com
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Twitter: @sportingclass / @englandlegends / @RugbyLegendsIRE
Tickets are on sale NOW directly from Harlequins www.quins.co.uk / 020 8410 6010. Adult tickets start at just £15, U18s £5
Click here to buy tickets now!