Two teams have officially made rugby history at Mullingar RFC, Ireland where they completed the Longest Games of Rugby ever played, with the women’s team clocking an astonishing 26 hours and 33 minutes, and the men’s team pushing through to an incredible 34 hours and 48 minutes
Two teams have officially made rugby history at Mullingar RFC, Ireland where they completed the Longest Games of Rugby ever played, with the women’s team clocking an astonishing 26 hours and 33 minutes, and the men’s team pushing through to an incredible 34 hours and 48 minutes. (The footage from the matches is currently being verified by Guinness World Records.)
What began as an ambitious challenge turned into an unforgettable display of resilience, teamwork, and sheer determination as players faced extreme conditions over the two-day event.
With relentless heat bearing down on Wednesday, several participants battled heatstroke, pushing their bodies to the limit. The local fire brigade came to the rescue, filling water baths on site to help players cool down and stay safe in the searing temperatures. As night fell, a new challenge emerged: cold mist and damp air that settled in overnight. But the teams dug deep, supporting each other every step of the way.
As the sun rose on Thursday morning, exhaustion gave way to adrenaline, and with the finish line in sight, both teams summoned their final reserves of strength to break not one, but two world records.
Their historic achievement was celebrated in front of a roaring crowd at the Aviva Stadium last Friday evening as the British & Irish Lions took on Argentina. The players were honoured at halftime with a pitch walk and greeted with thunderous applause as official world record holders.
So far, the event has raised an incredible £115,000 in support of three amazing charities: Wooden Spoon, LooseHeadz, and The Lions Trust, which will help save lives and support children through the power of rugby.
“This was about more than breaking records,” said Matt Bishop, Wooden Spoon player “It was about community, perseverance, and doing something extraordinary to support causes we care deeply about. Every blister, bruise, and sleepless hour was worth it.”
Among the inspirational players flying the flag for Wales was Ni Butler, taking on his sixth world record attempt for the longest rugby match. Known for his fierce determination and passion for the sport, Ni once again pushed through unimaginable limits, showing just what grit and resilience look like.
Other representatives from Wales were married couple Melanie and James Burge-Davies, well-known supporters of Wooden Spoon and familiar faces at Wooden Spoon’s annual Vets Fest rugby tournament Their participation in this extreme challenge underscored their long-standing commitment to using rugby as a force for good.
Sarah Webb : We are incredibly grateful to every single player who took part in this extraordinary effort. Not only did they break world records – they’ve helped change lives. The funds raised will make a huge difference to the children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage that we support at Wooden Spoon. This was a phenomenal act of grit, determination and community.”
A Big thank you to our sponsors who helped make The Longest Game happen : LMAX Exchange, ICS Mortgages, Canterbury, OPRO , NOCCO, d3 tape.
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