Rugby lessons at 10 Downing Street
Each Friday Akshata Murty, wife of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, welcomes children from schools across the country to 10 Downing Street where they learn about a chosen topic, as well as about the building’s fascinating history.
On Friday 22nd September, celebrating Rugby World Cup 2023, the topic was rugby union. Year 7 – 9 students from Cambourne Village College, Cambridgeshire, and the Bobby Moore Academy, Stratford, London, listened to Maggie Alphonsi MBE and Jason Robinson OBE tell of their rugby journeys, and how the sport shaped their lives and careers. A question and answer panel was then hosted by Akshata Murty.
Maggie Alphonsi helped win the 2014 Rugby World Cup, and represented her country 74 times, when England won a record breaking seven consecutive Six Nations titles. After retiring, she became the first female TV commentator on the men’s game.
Jason Robinson scored a vital try in the final as England lifted the Rugby World Cup in 2003. He won 51 England caps and five for the British & Irish Lions, after an outstanding rugby league career.
After chatting to the two rugby legends, the students headed into the No 10 garden for a walking rugby session led by England Rugby Club Developers, and both Jason Robinson and Ashata Murty got involved with staff from No 10 watching. PM Rishi Sunak waved through the window at the students which they loved!
To see more pictures from the day, check out England Rugby and Akshata Murty's Instagram post here.
Anyone interested in getting involved in rugby during this Rugby World Cup year will find a big welcome at their local club. Find your nearest club here.
