Longest Game 2025

Simultaneous attempts to set the Guinness World Record for the longest games of both men’s and women’s rugby in Dublin from the 18th – 19th June 2025.

Wooden Spoon and LooseHeadz break two world records in epic rugby match marathon.

Two teams have officially made rugby history at Mullingar RFC, Ireland where they completed the Longest Games of Rugby ever played, with the women’s team clocking an astonishing 26 hours and 33 minutes, and the men’s team pushing through to an incredible 34 hours and 48 minutes of continuous play.

What began as an ambitious challenge turned into an unforgettable display of resilience, teamwork, and sheer determination as players faced extreme conditions over the two-day event.

With relentless heat bearing down on Wednesday, several participants battled heatstroke, pushing their bodies to the limit. The local fire brigade came to the rescue, filling water baths on site to help players cool down and stay safe in the searing temperatures. As night fell, a new challenge emerged: cold mist and damp air that settled in overnight. But the teams dug deep, supporting each other every step of the way.

As the sun rose on Thursday morning, exhaustion gave way to adrenaline, and with the finish line in sight, both teams summoned their final reserves of strength to break not one, but two world records.

Their historic achievement was celebrated in front of a roaring crowd at the Aviva Stadium last Friday evening as the British & Irish Lions took on Argentina. The players were honoured at halftime with a pitch walk and greeted with thunderous applause as official world record holders.

So far, the event has raised an incredible £116,000 in support of three amazing charities: Wooden Spoon, LooseHeadz, and The Lions Trust, which will help save lives and support children through the power of rugby.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience with some of the most resilient and inspiring people I’ve ever met,” said Sarah Coleman, a Wooden Spoon player. “We were exhausted, emotional, hot, cold – every feeling you could imagine – but we did it. We broke a world record and supported causes that mean so much to all of us. I’ll never forget it.”

“This was about more than breaking records,” added Matt Bishop, Wooden Spoon player. “It was about community, perseverance, and doing something extraordinary to support causes we care deeply about. Every blister, bruise, and sleepless hour was worth it.”

Scotland was proudly represented on the field by Ali Mackenzie-Cooper, one of the most respected figures in Scottish women’s rugby history. A key member of the original national side and number 12 on the roll of honour, Mackenzie-Cooper earned 39 caps for Scotland, three as captain, and played in three World Cups. She was a standout in the famous 27–7 victory over France at the 1998 World Cup, where she was awarded Player of the Match, and also featured in Scotland’s Grand Slam win against England – a defining moment for Scottish rugby.

Sarah Webb: “We are incredibly grateful to every single player who took part in this extraordinary effort. Not only did they break world records – they’ve helped change lives. The funds raised will make a huge difference to the children and young people with disabilities or facing disadvantage that we support at Wooden Spoon. This was a phenomenal act of grit, determination and community.”

A big thank you to our sponsors who helped make The Longest Game happen:
LMAX Exchange, ICS Mortgages, Canterbury, OPRO, NOCCO, d3 tape, Cusack Hotel Group & Next Gen Productions.

A big thank you to all the participants: Rachel Murphy, Cameron Findlay, Andy Mcgrory, Eleanor Ferrie, Jack Badhan, John Clements, Laura Turner, Lauren Hanley, Robin Callaway, Stuart Bage Referee, Ali Mackenzie-Cooper, Ella Wylie, Gareth Hummerston, Hailey Coutts, Jacqueline Louise Davis, Jess Cheesman, Jess Kneebone, Jessica Courtman, Johnathan Alexander Zemlik, Jonathan Cartwright, Josh Bate, Joshua Jones, Ken Sugden, Kirstie Standish, Lauren Roberts, Mark Whitfield, Neal Patterson, Nicola Caldwell, Nigel Brierley, Odin Hopwood, Patrick Cronin, Rachel Massey, Rebecca Smart, Rebeckah Mallard, Sammy Moore, Tamara Taylor, Yasmin Crehan, Zachary Johns, Don Farrell, Sean Farrell, Colin Stuart, Emma Riach, Hazel Malakoty, Lee Murru, Mark Kane, Murray Stewart, Paige Anastacia, Paul Sullivan, Simon Turner, Yvonne Tunnicliff, Amanda Burton, Andrew Collings, Andrew Letts, Beena Chadha, Bella May, Carlene Fox, Chloe Cranfield, Dan O’rourke, David Luxon, Edward Reed, Gemma Wilson, Hari Mccormack, Isabel Beadle, James Catlin, Jason Baker, Jeremy Foster, Joanne Smith, Jon Morton, Kelli Nusum, Kieran Lynch, Niki Davies, Olivia Martin, Roisin Winston, Sarah Coleman, Shawna Ball, Simon Beadle, Stafford Butt, Tapuwa Chabata, Tracey Smith, Adam Kentell, Brett Bader, Chloe Payne, Cliff Street, Josef Webber, Joshua Ovey, Katherine Brinsley, Lisa Richardson, Lucy Jefferies, Maheson Balasundaram, Matt Bishop, Sean William Harrison, James Burge-Davies, Melanie Burge-Davies, Ni Butler, Tilly Bennett, Name, Aurélie Lemouzy, Carole Mage

Watch the mini documentary here – https://youtu.be/C4CQYjCO3MM?si=a2yvTzwk09YI_i3G