British parliament to honour Lions

The British and Irish Lions’ “massive contribution” to rugby will honoured in the second Parliamentary Rugby Awards in Britain.

Four players from the professional era - one from each country who best represent the qualities of a Lion - will be presented with Parliamentary Rugby Medals in a ceremony at the House of Commons on December 4.

Derek Wyatt MP, the former England international and chairman of the All Party Rugby Union Group, explained: “After the success of the inaugural awards last year and the huge upsurge of excitement and public interest generated by England’s Rugby World Cup win, the Group felt that it would be entirely appropriate to acknowledge the massive contribution that has been made to the world of rugby by the Lions.

“The Lions really do bring the countries of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland together in the most unique manner and the tour to New Zealand next summer will undoubtedly be the international sporting highlight of 2005.”

The four winners will be awarded medals made by Asprey of gold and silver worth around £5,000 (€7,350) each.

The inaugural awards ceremony last September recognised ‘outstanding achievement in the sport of rugby union’ and the medals were presented to David Campese, Philippe Sella and Jason Leonard, the only three players at the time to have won 100 Test caps.

The All Party Rugby Union Group decided to launch an awards night as a way of encouraging rugby to recognise how parliament can be of assistance to the game.

“The dialogue is now open and it is a productive channel,” said a spokesman for the Group.

A rugby summit was held before last year’s awards and the group have held various discussions about instigating funding and legislative processes.