The incredible players and volunteers who took part can now proudly call themselves Guinness World Record Holders for “The Longest marathon playing rugby”: an achievement that showcases the true spirit of the rugby community.
The challenge, held over 18-19 June 2025 at Mullingar RFC in Ireland, saw four teams push the boundaries of endurance: the women’s squad completed an astonishing 26 hours 33 minutes of continuous play, and the men’s squad reached 34 hours 48 minutes.
By combining the world-record-breaking endeavour with a charitable purpose, this event has shown that rugby isn’t just about the scoreboard, it’s about uplifting communities, supporting mental health and ensuring no child is left behind.
Thanks to this event, over £100,000 has been raised and will be distributed among three outstanding charities aligned with rugby’s power to transform lives:
- Wooden Spoon
The funds donated will enable the charity to reach over 5,000 children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage through its specialist projects that provide sensory spaces, outdoor activity, inclusive rugby and initiatives that support helping to combat poverty in the UK and Ireland. - LooseHeadz
Thanks to the funds raised, LooseHeadz will be able to extend their delivery programme to more clubs than ever, providing rugby specific mental health training programmes across the grassroots community. - The Lions Trust
The Lions Trust will deepen its commitment to support the welfare of ex Lions players.
As the Guinness verification confirms the milestone, the charities are now turning their attention to sustaining the legacy created by this event. All participants are encouraged to continue being ambassadors of change, promoting inclusion, mental health awareness and the power of sport
“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.”
Sarah Webb, CEO, Wooden Spoon said:
“What makes this achievement so special is the heart behind it. So, we’d like to say thank you to every player, volunteer, referee, and supporter who gave their all, not for personal glory, but to make a difference in the lives of others.
The funds raised will enable Wooden Spoon to reach thousands of children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage, giving them opportunities to play, learn, and thrive. To have a Guinness World Record as part of that story is something very special and a symbol of what can be achieved when our rugby family comes together”
Hannah Stallard, Head of Community, LooseHeadz said:
“We have been absolutely blown away by the support for this bonkers challenge. From the players involved, to the team at Mullingar RFC, and all the supporters who have given so generously with both their time and donations, we absolutely could not have done this without them.
At LooseHeadz, we are incredibly passionate about providing mental health training & support to people in the grassroots game, and the money raised from the Longest Game will go a long way to helping us support players, coaches & fans at more than 1,350 rugby clubs across 36 different countries.”
There is still time to make a donation https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/longest-game
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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