RUGBY’S MP lined up in a pioneering Commons and Lords Rugby Football Team – the first to feature both genders.
Mark Pawsey counted former England women’s captain Catherine Spencer and sport minister Tracey Crouch among his teammates as the Parliamentary team faced the RAF Vultures just before Christmas.
The hard-fought match, hosted by the RAF at the Honourable Artillery Company in London, ended 17-14 in favour of the RAF Vultures.
Speaking after the game, Mr Pawsey said: “It’s always a great pleasure to be able to run out for the Commons and Lords Team and take part in some friendly – but competitive – Rugby.
“As Chair of the Commons and Lords Rugby team, I had the honour of bringing the Parliamentary World Cup to Rugby as the birthplace of the game last year. We’ve now had another historic match, with a mixed gender team playing for the Commons and Lords for the first time.
“I’m very pleased that Tracy Crouch MP and Catherine Spencer were able to join us for the game and take part. After what has been a great year for the sport of Rugby Union, I hope we can continue to build on this in 2017 and perhaps even the score against the RAF the next time we play.”
Catherine Spencer, who captained the England Women’s Rugby team to three successive Six Nations victories and a World Cup final, has subsequently founded Inspiring Women, an organisation which encourages women to share their success stories and lessons.
Catherine visited Rugby ahead of the 2015 Rugby World Cup and spoke about her life and experiences as one of England’s most successful Rugby players.
