Virtual celebration of 150 years of Yorkshire rugby
Ex players and coaches at West Park Leeds RUFC teamed up over Easter to virtually celebrate 150 of rugby in Yorkshire.
Former England coach, Stuart Lancaster; England scrum half Danny Care, Sale Sharks’ Joe Carpenter and former England Sevens captain Rob Vickerman were just a few of the famous names, previously linked to West Park, taking part in the virtual Lockdown Pass It On event.
Dawn Rathmell, the first female President of Yorkshire RFU kicked off the first of the 150 passes to players from the club’s mini’s section right through to senior men and women squad members and coaches. The ball passing marathon includes passes between other former club players, including Yorkshire Carnegie’s Jack Metcalfe, Ben Sugars and Dan Lancaster and Mike Shelley, the longest serving player in the history of Leeds Tykes. Shelley makes his special appearance having sent his celebratory footage over from Canada.
- The ‘Lockdown Pass It On’ footage can be viewed via - YouTube here
Dawn Rathmell, whose presidency started on 1 July 2019 said: “The pass the ball event was due to take place at the West Park ground a few weeks ago, but the current lockdown meant we had to cancel. The club’s rugby community got on board and created this fantastic virtual event. Here at Yorkshire RFU we believe that the sport can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime, by anyone and this footage is testament to that. It demonstrates that during these challenging times we can still come together and enjoy the game and make this happen.
“Over recent months it’s been great to get out and about, to meet people from clubs right across Yorkshire, and I hope to visit more when restrictions have been lifted and we’re back playing the game we all love and enjoy.
“There’s plenty to marvel at when it comes to rugby in Yorkshire, from acknowledging the people who have forged the way, to those moments which have put the region at the forefront of the game throughout the last century, but most importantly this is our time to celebrate. A time to celebrate the diversity and inclusion of our game, to celebrate the army of volunteers who are the very heartbeat of our clubs.”
Former England, Newcastle Falcons and Leeds Tykes player, Rob Vickerman lends his support to the event by making a memorable guest appearance alongside his son Jack as fictional superhero Spider-Man.
West Park has been the rugby home of Vickerman’s family for three generations now. From his grandfather Dennis ‘Digger’ Booth who was the very first Captain of West Park Bramhope and now his cousin Adam, who is enjoying success as the current men’s 1st XV Captain. His father, Nigel, was also Captain at the club and it’s where he met Rob’s mother Melanie.
Vickerman said: ”West Park has a special place in my heart, due to the strong connection the club has had with my family over the years and the important role they play in grassroots rugby. As a child I have fond memories of visiting the club and having a kick about on the pitch with my cousins. I’m proud to have started my rugby journey in Yorkshire and welcome this virtual opportunity to join in and help celebrate the 150th anniversary.”
Graham Chadwick, Chairman, of Bramhope-based, West Park Leeds RUFC added: “Interest from our rugby community has been overwhelming, so much so that we managed to exceed our 150 target. It’s great to see so many supporting the club and celebrating rugby in Yorkshire.”
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