The National Assembly for Wales’ rugby team will take on the House of Commons & Lords at Cardiff Arms Park at 2pm on the 6th of February, in what is being dubbed - the ‘real’ England-Wales showdown.
The teams will contest their 9th annual fixture to raise money for charity, Bowel Cancer UK, with Assembly Rugby seeking their fourth consecutive win over their rivals.
Those playing for Assembly Rugby include the Leader of the Opposition, Andrew RT Davies AM, and Ynys Mon AM, Rhun Ap Iorwerth.
The Commons & Lords, meanwhile, are set to feature appearances from Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb, Vale of Glamorgan MP, Alun Cairns, and Rhondda MP, Chris Bryant.
Assembly Rugby chairman, Andrew RT Davies AM, said the game was about promoting good causes and urged members of the public to come along and support the ‘real’ Wales team on the 6th.
He said:
"Over the years the team has raised more than £10,000 for Bowel Cancer UK and I am proud to be involved.
"The annual fixture against the Commons and Lords is always the most anticipated, but ultimately it is about promoting good causes and raising awareness of the work that Bowel Cancer UK do.
"The Assembly team was set up in 2006 by Glyn Davies, who was an AM at the time. Glyn overcame bowel cancer and wanted to raise awareness of the illness and personally demonstrate how survivors could go on to lead a full and active life after being so ill. I think that’s a message we can all support.
"On behalf of Assembly Rugby I would also like to thank Cardiff Blues for making the stadium available to us and I hope that we can deliver the people of Wales the first of two great victories over England on the day!"
Kick-off is at 2pm on the 6th and supporters may enter the stadium from 1pm on the day.
The National Assembly Commission supports the team’s fundraising efforts and has also agreed to sponsor the team’s new kit for the Parliamentary Rugby World Cup in September.
Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM, said: "We’ve seen some keenly contested rugby matches between Welsh and English teams through the years but none more so than this fixture between the Assembly and Westminster.
"It’s not just about who’ll win the bragging rights for the next year. The Assembly rugby team does a fantastic job in raising money for charitable causes and I hope that as many people as possible go down to the Arms Park to cheer on the players and contribute to the fundraising effort for Bowel Cancer UK.
"The Assembly Commission is happy to support the team so that they can continue their fundraising, and I wish them all the best ahead of this game and for the Parliamentary world Cup later in the year."
Former Wales international Tom Shanklin said:
"I think it’s great that the Assembly Rugby team is taking on the House of Commons and Lords team ahead of the big match this Friday.
"I’ve no doubt that it will be an equally hotly contested match and hopefully they will raise a lot of money for a very worthy cause, Bowel Cancer UK"
Rhun Ap Iorwerth added: "Despite carrying a shoulder injury, I’m very much looking forward to playing against the combined Commons and Lords team."
"After coming to terms with Gatland’s refusal to pick me for the Wales starting XV since he was appointed coach in 2007, this is now the nearest I will come to representing my country at rugby and I’m prepared to play through the pain barrier for it.
"This game will be raising money for a very good cause and I hope we can get a bumper crowd along to ensure that we have a record-breaking event for Bowel Cancer UK. Please come along, give generously and cheer along the National Assembly for Wales team for what will hopefully be their fourth win on the bounce."
Those playing for Assembly Rugby include the Leader of the Opposition, Andrew RT Davies AM, and Ynys Mon AM, Rhun Ap Iorwerth.
The Commons & Lords, meanwhile, are set to feature appearances from Secretary of State for Wales, Stephen Crabb, Vale of Glamorgan MP, Alun Cairns, and Rhondda MP, Chris Bryant.
Assembly Rugby chairman, Andrew RT Davies AM, said the game was about promoting good causes and urged members of the public to come along and support the ‘real’ Wales team on the 6th.
He said:
"Over the years the team has raised more than £10,000 for Bowel Cancer UK and I am proud to be involved.
"The annual fixture against the Commons and Lords is always the most anticipated, but ultimately it is about promoting good causes and raising awareness of the work that Bowel Cancer UK do.
"The Assembly team was set up in 2006 by Glyn Davies, who was an AM at the time. Glyn overcame bowel cancer and wanted to raise awareness of the illness and personally demonstrate how survivors could go on to lead a full and active life after being so ill. I think that’s a message we can all support.
"On behalf of Assembly Rugby I would also like to thank Cardiff Blues for making the stadium available to us and I hope that we can deliver the people of Wales the first of two great victories over England on the day!"
Kick-off is at 2pm on the 6th and supporters may enter the stadium from 1pm on the day.
The National Assembly Commission supports the team’s fundraising efforts and has also agreed to sponsor the team’s new kit for the Parliamentary Rugby World Cup in September.
Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM, said: "We’ve seen some keenly contested rugby matches between Welsh and English teams through the years but none more so than this fixture between the Assembly and Westminster.
"It’s not just about who’ll win the bragging rights for the next year. The Assembly rugby team does a fantastic job in raising money for charitable causes and I hope that as many people as possible go down to the Arms Park to cheer on the players and contribute to the fundraising effort for Bowel Cancer UK.
"The Assembly Commission is happy to support the team so that they can continue their fundraising, and I wish them all the best ahead of this game and for the Parliamentary world Cup later in the year."
Former Wales international Tom Shanklin said:
"I think it’s great that the Assembly Rugby team is taking on the House of Commons and Lords team ahead of the big match this Friday.
"I’ve no doubt that it will be an equally hotly contested match and hopefully they will raise a lot of money for a very worthy cause, Bowel Cancer UK"
Rhun Ap Iorwerth added: "Despite carrying a shoulder injury, I’m very much looking forward to playing against the combined Commons and Lords team."
"After coming to terms with Gatland’s refusal to pick me for the Wales starting XV since he was appointed coach in 2007, this is now the nearest I will come to representing my country at rugby and I’m prepared to play through the pain barrier for it.
"This game will be raising money for a very good cause and I hope we can get a bumper crowd along to ensure that we have a record-breaking event for Bowel Cancer UK. Please come along, give generously and cheer along the National Assembly for Wales team for what will hopefully be their fourth win on the bounce."