Jason Robinson and Maggie Alphonsi hailed grassroots rugby as the lifeblood of the sport as they inspired the next generation in Oxford.
Howden, Principal Partners of The British and Irish Lions, launched their partnership with Lions Origin Clubs by demonstrating their support for grassroots rugby at the Howden Big Rugby Day Out at Oxford University Rugby Club.
The event featured Lions Origin Clubs – those which have produced a British & Irish Lions star - including Oxford University, Amersham and Chiltern and Long Buckby RFC.
These clubs have collectively produced a total of 43 players including Ireland’s Tyrone Howe and England duo Josh Lewsey and David 'Piggy' Powell.
In attendance were former Lions stars Jason Robinson and Gavin Hastings as well as ex-England skipper Maggie Alphonsi, who led coaching sessions, met excited young players, and gave their insight into the importance of community rugby in shaping their careers.
"Community is so important because without it we don’t have a game, it’s simple,” Robinson said.
“We need to build the players up, we need to inspire them, we need to get them playing at the highest possible level. There are so many people within the clubs who do so much work.
"The international game is based on grassroots. The more we can do to support clubs the better, which is where Howden’s investment in the game is massive. It’s not just the top level, it’s the grassroots.
"We know all the benefits that rugby has to offer kids, especially being in a team. The more we can do it; the more we can inspire, hopefully the stronger the game can be.
"It’s the amateur clubs that have worked so hard over the years to build these players into what they have become. Howden have seen that and are recognising that by providing a plaque to commemorate the role clubs have played in that journey."
Lions Origin Clubs are, for the first time, being recognised for the role they have played in shaping the British and Irish Lions with a commemorative plaque, presented by Howden, and announced with clubs in attendance being given theirs at the Howden Big Rugby Day Out.
“We talk about what happens at the top end, but it’s really about nurturing our players to come through,” Alphonsi said.
“It’s nice talking to young kids because they really want to go far and just have fun. It’s great to see that Howden are investing in it.
“It’s the best time for women’s rugby right now. We have lots of girls who have started a women’s or girls’ section and they are thriving.”
Leading global insurance intermediary group Howden will be launching further support for the grassroots game across the UK and Ireland in the build-up to the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia and the inaugural 2027 Women’s Lions Tour to New Zealand.
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