The Painswick Rugby Club recently enjoyed a momentous occasion at Howden’s Big Rugby Day Out, signifying a significant milestone in the club’s history. Junior players from the club had the unique opportunity to participate in an exclusive coaching session with British & Irish Lions superstars Jason Robinson and Gavin Hastings. This distinguished event took place at the esteemed Oxford University Rugby Club and included various rugby-themed activities alongside the coaching session.
The Big Rugby Day Out was dedicated to the 2025 men’s tour and the inaugural women’s tour in 2027, marking the official commencement of Howden’s sponsorship of the British & Irish Lions. Painswick was selected as one of the Lions Origin Clubs, owing to its historical significance as the former starting ground for Lions prop Tim Payne, who commenced his rugby journey at the club.
Craig Mayo, the chairman of the Painswick club, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a connection between grassroots rugby and the elite game. He underscored the invaluable experience that the junior players gained from their close involvement with the Lions, providing them with insights into the professional world of rugby. He expressed hope for future Lions to emerge from the junior ranks of the club, along with their commitment to engaging with the local community.
The event was graced by the presence of iconic rugby personalities, including Rugby World Cup winner Jason Robinson, Gavin Hastings, and Women’s Rugby World Cup winner Maggie Alphonsi. Robinson conducted coaching sessions, inspiring and motivating the young athletes with his invaluable expertise. This served as a significant opportunity for the juniors to learn from the best in the sport.
The occasion was further dignified by the revelation that there are 711 Lions Origin Clubs that have produced 855 past British & Irish Lions, evidencing the pivotal role played by grassroots clubs in nurturing elite talent. Howden’s new sponsorship initiative celebrated rugby’s grassroots heritage, emphasizing their commitment to both the elite and community games.
Giles Morgan, the Head of Global Sponsorships at Howden, underscored the significance of their partnership with The British & Irish Lions and expressed a strong desire to immerse themselves in the rugby community across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. The partnership aims to celebrate and support the history and future of rugby by engaging with origin clubs and strengthening the rugby network across the nations.
The partnership with The British & Irish Lions signifies Howden’s commitment to supporting the grassroots game and celebrating the collective heritage of rugby across the countries. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of rugby and underlines the pivotal role of grassroots clubs in producing exceptional talents for the sport. The event not only celebrated the history of rugby but also provided an inspiring platform for the next generation of athletes to carry the torch forward.