Welsh players were involved in the longest ever game.
Two world records have been broken in the longest games of rugby ever recorded – and a Welsh couple were part of the historic achievement.
Two teams made history in Ireland at Mullingar RFC, with the women’s team clocking up an astonishing 26-hours-and-30-minute game. The men followed that up with a fantastic 34 hours and 48 minutes of rugby. Footage of these matches is now being verified by Guinness World Records ahead of their entry into the history books. The challenge required a heavy dose of resilience and teamwork in a feat that will be very tough to beat.
Resident Welshman Ni Butler took on his sixth world record attempt for the longest rugby match, and helped to fly the flag for Wales. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Other Welsh representatives Melanie and James Burge-Davies also took on the challenge, and have been well involved with Wooden Spoon for many years. You can read more about them here.
With the UK and Ireland experiencing it’s first big heatwave of the summer, participants struggled with the weather on Wednesday.
The local fire brigade even helped out those involved, refilling pitchside water baths to help cool down the brave players.
Their next challenge arrived when the sun dipped below the horizon. While the temperature may have dropped, tiredness began to set in, with cold mist and damp air changing the conditions at Mullingar.
Thanks to their unity on the field, they pushed through the night. And with the morning sunrise came a renewed sense of optimism, with the finishing line in their sights.
These players were honoured for their achievements at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin last Friday night at half-time, where the British and Irish Lions played Argentina in their first match of the 2025 tour.
The Dublin crowd met the record-breakers with a resounding applause, with the superb event raising over £115,000 for three charities: Wooden Spoon, LooseHeadz, and The Lions Trust. These charities help children and save lives through 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.”
“We are incredibly grateful to every single player who took part in this extraordinary effort,” said Sarah Webb, Wooden Spoon CEO.
“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.
