Former England rugby union internationals were in attendance at an event in Oxford which saw the principal partners of The British and Irish Lions launch a new partnership to support grassroots rugby.
Howden's partnership with Lions Origin Clubs was launched at the Howden Big Rugby Day Out at Oxford University Rugby Club, Iffley Road.
Lions Origin Clubs are rugby clubs that have produced a British and Irish Lions star, with these clubs collectively producing a total of 43 players including Ireland’s Tyrone Howe, and England’s Josh Lewsey and David 'Piggy' Powell.
The event featured club's including Oxford Harlequins, Amersham and Chiltern, and Long Buckby.
Former British and Irish Lions stars Jason Robinson and Gavin Hastings, along with ex-England international Maggie Alphonsi, were also in attendance.
They led coaching sessions and interacted with the youngsters, explaining to them the role community rugby played in their careers.
Howden presented each of the clubs with a commemorative plaque at the event.
The insurance intermediary group has a grassroots game support plan which they will roll out across the UK and Ireland as they build up to the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour of Australia and the inaugural 2027 Women’s Lions Tour of New Zealand.
Howden aims to maintain a strong relationship with amateur and professional rugby clubs through their sports and entertainment team.
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