Thousands of people flocked to Tewkesbury Rugby Club on Sunday to raise money for Rugby Relief – the event staged by Worcester Warriors and Gloucester Rugby in aid of the flood victims.
A touch rugby tournament, a host of family games, an auction and a visit by both sets of playing squads capped a fantastic day at Tewkesbury as the counties of Worcestershire and Gloucestershire came together in a special fund raising event.
And so far Rugby Relief event has raised a staggering £70,000 – a total that is still climbing.
Warriors chairman Cecil Duckworth and Gloucester chairman Tom Walkinshaw, who jointly came up with the idea to raise funds, attended the event and presented the trophies to winning side Tewkesbury, who beat Gloucester club Coney Hill in the final. Tewkesbury mayor Paul Alford also presented the fair play award to the ‘Worcester Wobblers’.
“An enormous amount of work went into staging an event of this size and significance and I would like to thank everybody for their wonderful support,” said Warriors Community Manager Tom Ryder.
“From the teams that took part, to the playing squads, helpers, fund-raisers, club officials and supporters, we couldn’t have staged the event without them and for that we are really grateful.
“A special mention must also go to Tewkesbury Borough Council, the Red Cross, the emergency services, Radio Gloucestershire’s Andy Pugh and BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Dave Bradley, who commentated throughout the day.”
Rugby Relief started at 11am with three pitches hosting the group stages of the touch rugby festival. Tewkesbury were only in the competition because the Cherry Pickers pulled out at the last minute but ended up winning the tournament in a close final against Coney Hill.
“It was a thoroughly enjoyable event and hopefully the communities who needed the most support will benefit,” added Ryder.
“The event really showed the value rugby plays in our community, of the importance sport can have in pulling people together in a time of need and I think we can all be very proud of that.”