Political Animals throw down gauntlet to the rest of the world

The UK Politicians’ rugby league club, the Political Animals, has extended an open challenge for an historic match against a World XIII on the morning of the Rugby League World Cup Final, Saturday 30 November.

Letters containing invitations to take part have been dispatched to Ambassadors and High Commissioners of nations participating in the 14-team tournament which begins on October 26, and the Rugby League International Federation is encouraging its members to contact their home politicians, political staff and embassy/high commission staff who will be in Britain to watch what is the first major international sporting tournament event in the UK since the London 2012 Olympics & Paralympics.

Detailed plans are being made, but the game will take place in the Manchester area during the morning of the World Cup Final and will be played under men’s masters rules – designed specifically to enable players of all ages to take part, with rules to slow the game down and vary contact for players wearing different coloured shorts.

The Animals’ Club Captain and Chairman of the UK Parliamentary Rugby League Group, Greg Mulholland MP, said “The Political Animals brings together politicians from all over the UK to experience our great game on the field.  

“With so many fans in the UK for the Rugby League World Cup, we have the opportunity to encourage counterparts from all over the world to do the same and – in the same spirit as rugby league is played throughout the world – grow friendships through sport. 

“We hope that a Rest of the World XIII will come forward to take part in what would be a historic match and part of the celebration of rugby league, taking place during the forthcoming RLWC 2013! We are ready to take on the world, we hope the world is ready to take on the Political Animals!”.  

More information about the game, including opposition, will be circulated as it becomes available.

Those who would like to take part in Rest of the World team should contact Club Secretary, Mark Ramsdale: secretary@politicalanimals.org.uk.