England and Leicester legend Martin Corry hung up his boots in 2008will captain England legends
The England – Ireland Rugby Legends series continues to tempt some of the greatest retired players to put their boots back on, face up to old rivals and raise invaluable funds for their teams’ nominated charities.
England will be hosts for the 2012 England V Ireland Legends clash at The Stoop. This St Patrick’s weekend fixture is played the night before the two countries meet in the Six Nations at Twickenham.
The money raised from the match will be donated to the IRFU Charitable Trust in Ireland and to the RFU Injured Players Foundation and RPA Benevolent Fund in England. The three charities raise money to help deal with life threatening injuries for both professional and amateur players within the sport.
Following a crowd of 11,000 in the last home game, the Legends will aim to sell out this highly competitive clash with a capacity crowd of 14,000 at The Stoop. The Irish will be challenging for The Stuart Mangan Memorial Cup, currently held by the English Legends who reclaimed the trophy at Donnybrook in 2011.
England’s team will be led by former captain and British and Irish Lion Martin Corry. Martin is joined by several members of the England 2003 World Cup winning team including, Jason Leonard, most notably Jason Robinson, Kyran Bracken and Dan Luger. Other heroes include Austin Healey and Mark Regan. Completing the team sheet are internationals, Darren Garforth, Tim Stimpson, Matt Perry and Garath Archer– all subject to availability.
Ireland’s team will be led by Ireland and British and Irish Lion Shane Byrne, previously Leinster’s most capped player. His team will include such Irish legends as Nick Popplewell, Rob Henderson, Mick Galway, Mal O’Kelly, Eric Miller and Girvan Dempsey. Other legends also in attendance will be Justin Bishop, Simon Easterby, Jonathan Bell, Kieron Dawson, Richard Wallace, Paddy Johns and Anthony Foley – all subject to availability.
Looking forward to the game Jason Leonard said, “The Legends series has seen some really competitive clashes and the 2012 game will be no exception. We will certainly be looking to entertain in front of a home crowd and retain the Stuart Mangan Trophy with some lightning speed and slick passing….. or perhaps with just a little luck and the buzz of getting back on the pitch! It is such a great opportunity for all our players to support those who need our assistance and to give something back to this wonderful game.”
Tickets will start at £10, concessions £5, and are now on sale from www.quins.co.uk . You will also be able to pay at the gate.
England V Ireland Legends: The Stoop; Friday 16th March 2012; Kick Off 7.45pm.
England Team List (Subject to final confirmation)
Garath Archer
Jos Baxendell
Alex Bennett
Greg Botterman
Kyran Bracken
Martin Corry (C)
Bill Davison
James Forrester
Darren Garforth
Andy Gomarsall
Paul Gustard
Austin Healey
Rory Jenkins
Jason Leonard
Josh Lewsey
Leon Lloyd
Dan Luger
Matt Perry
David Rees
Mark Regan
Jason Robinson
Tim Stimpson
Ben Sturnham
Paul Volley
Nick Walsh
Fraser Waters
Kevin Yates
Ireland Team List (Subject to final confirmation)
Jonathan Bell
Justin Bishop
Paul Burke
Shane Byrne (C)
David Corkery
Reggie Corrigan
Kieron Dawson
Girvan Dempsey
Len Dinneen
Guy Easterby
Simon Easterby
Anthony Foley
Mick Galway
Gary Halpin
Rob Henderson
Niall Hogan
Anthony Horgan
Paddy Johns
John Kelly
Kevin Maggs
Eric Miller
Malcolm O’Kelly
Nick Popplewell
Frankie Sheahan
James Topping
Richard Wallace