Political Animals to kick off Challenge Cup weekend

This Friday (26 August) the Political Animals RLFC take on a London Select XIII as part of the Friday Night Lights evening at London Skolars. Friday Night Lights is an annual event which kicks off the Challenge Cup Final weekend and has become a regular fixture for the Animals.

The Animals play charitable and representative sides and count Peers, MPs, Councillors, Parliamentary and political party operatives from across the political spectrum amongst their members. The club aims to connect with politicians to promote rugby league and allow more people to experience the game. Since the Animals were formed in 2010, politicians from all levels have pulled on a shirt, and seen first-hand how clubs work with their communities.

Local MP Catherine West, Member of Parliament for Hornsey and Wood Green, will perform a ceremonial kick off, whilst Dr Dan Poulter, MP for Central Suffolk and North Ipswich, will make his rugby league debut. Councillors, former MP Andy Reed OBE and the former Mayor of Doncaster are also playing alongside political staff and Associate Members of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group.

The Animals’ Club Captain and Chairman of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group, Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland said “I am delighted that the Political Animals are once again taking part in our annual game against a London Select XIII. The Animals provide the opportunity for politicians to take part in a game that does so much at local level and see first-hand how clubs work with their communities and come together for good causes. I hope by taking part in this game we can really reach out and engage with the wider community and raise awareness of the value of getting involved in sport and in particular rugby league.”