Last week in Mullingar FRC,Ireland, 96 rugby players set a world record the longest games of rugby. The marathon event ( which is currently being verified by Guinness World Records) raised funds for Wooden Spoon , LooseHeadz and The Lions Trust charities.
Scottish players included Ali Mackenzie-Cooper, Colin Stuart. Emma Riach, Hazel Malakoty, Lee Murru, Mark Kane, Murray Stewart, Paige Anastacia, Paul Sullivan, Simon Turner, Yvonne Tunnicliff.
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. (The footage from the matches is currently being verified by Guinness World Records.)
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 beating 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 £115,000 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.
“This was about more than breaking records,” said 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, Ali 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.
Beyond her illustrious playing career, Ali Mackenzie-Cooper has continued to shape the sport in Scotland as a specialist front-row coach, manager of the Scotland Women’s team, and as Treasurer of the Scottish Women’s Rugby Union (2005–2006). She was also instrumental in organising the 1994 Women’s Rugby World Cup – an event she and her team pulled together in just 90 days.
Sarah Webb, CEO , Wooden Spoon said: “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.
Scottish players involved in the The Longest Game : Ali Mackenzie-Cooper, Colin Stuart. Emma Riach, Hazel Malakoty, Lee Murru, Mark Kane, Murray Stewart, Paige Anastacia, Paul Sullivan, Simon Turner, Yvonne Tunnicliff.
