Mullingar RFC to host Guinness record bid
Mullingar Rugby Club are putting out a call to all sport fans to be a part of rugby history. Rugby enthusiasts are invited to the club on Wednesday, June 18, to be part of an event organised by charities Wooden Spoon and LooseHeadz.
Supported by the British and Irish Lions, Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, and LooseHeadz, the mental health rugby charity, are making a joint attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest rugby games ever played and raise £100,000 for charities.
This event will take place in Mullingar on June 18 to 19, 2025, just days before the British and Irish Lions take on Argentina’s Pumas.
“The charities organised this world record attempt for the longest game of rugby. The hope is that the men's game will last 36 hours, while the women's game must pass 24 hours,” Mullingar RFC club member Paul Murphy told the Examiner.
The record attempt features two concurrent matches – men’s and women’s – aiming to shatter the current records of 30 hours 29 minutes 41 seconds (men’s) held by Wooden Spoon and School of hard Knocks and 24 hours 5 minutes 15 seconds (women’s).
“We're acting as the host venue. It's run in conjunction with the Lions Trust. There will be ex-rugby International players there, ex-Lions rugby players there.
“I know Tommy Bowe is one of the ambassadors for the Wooden Spoon Charity. There's a couple of Welsh rugby players, Scottish rugby players and English rugby players coming over as well,” Paul said.
Participants and fans will have an opportunity to meet ex-Lions legends and TV presenter Craig Doyle, who will lend their support as team managers, referees, water carriers, and more. Imagine receiving a pep talk from a Lions legend as you push through the marathon match.
The players in the game will take to the pitch during half-time at the British and Irish Lions vs. Argentina Pumas match at the Aviva Stadium on Friday June 20, 2025, cheered on by 50,000 fans as newly crowned Guinness World Record holders.
This incredible event sees 92 participants: two squads of 23 men and two squads of 23 women. Players of all abilities are participating with stamina and teamwork more important than skill level.
Kick-off is on Wednesday, June 18, and the marathon matches will run non-stop until Thursday evening, culminating in celebrations as both records are broken.
“Breaking records is one thing, but breaking barriers for children with disabilities and disadvantages is what truly inspires us. This event combines the passion of rugby with the power of charity, creating an unforgettable moment of unity and purpose,” Sarah Webb, CEO of Wooden Spoon said of the Mullingar games.