WOODEN SPOON: The Arctic Rugby Challenge Team Announcement
Next April, Wooden Spoon ambassadors and former Rugby Union Internationals Tim Stimpson formerly of England and Leicester Tigers along with Ollie Phillips ex England 7s and Gloucester winger will lead two teams of brave individuals on a pioneering expedition to the Magnetic North Pole. Former England and British Lions player, Lee Mears will also join the teams in the North Pole as match referee.
With the help of world-class polar adventurer, Jock Wishart, the teams will travel up to 100 miles to one of the furthest places north on the planet. Once the teams arrive they will take part in the northernmost rugby match in history, captained by rugby legends, Tim and Pat. The expedition runs from 15th April – 15th May 2015.
The teams have been announced and the participants have found out who will be their captain for this record-breaking attempt. The public can get involved in the conversation by tweeting @wsarcticchallenge and tweet messages of support to each team using the hashtags #teamtim and #teamollie.
After the announcement captain Tim said “I’m really happy with our team, we’ve got some great guys on the team and I’m sure we will help each other out along the way. It is an honour to be involved and to help Wooden Spoon in their continued efforts to raise money for disadvantaged children across the UK and Ireland”. The group have set themselves a fundraising target of £500,000 which could help pay for a new hospital wing at Noah’s Ark in Wales and 10 sensory rooms for disabled children and young people throughout the UK.
When asked who will come out as winner, World Cup winner Jason Robinson couldn’t pick between the two as both are good friends of the former Sale star. French flanker Serge Betson believes #teamollie will be victorious as their captain is “younger and fitter”. Even Mark Pawsey the MP for Rugby got involved and opted for #teamtim.
To aid their preparation, the captains will be taking part in various challenges in the build up to the expedition to see who has got the edge! The teams will be taking part in an intensive training camp on 10 and 11 January at Ogmore Castle in Wales to get themselves prepared for the Arctic conditions.
David Mercer, CEO of LMAX Exchange, Lead Corporate Sponsor and Challenger said: ”I am thrilled to be a part of such an extraordinary challenge both as a challenger and lead corporate sponsor. The opportunity to play with former England internationals, create rugby history and raise money for such a fantastic cause is a once in a lifetime opportunity and unique, as it¹s taking place during a Rugby World Cup year”.
#teamollie
Ollie Phillips – Former England 7’s and Gloucester winger
David Mercer – CEO of LMAX Exchange
Paul Jordan – EMEAR Regional Manager at Cisco
Steven Turnbull – General Manager for Everything4Rugby
Fergus Davidson – Works for a London Hedge Fund
#teamtim
Tim Stimpson – Former British and Irish Lion, England and Leicester Tigers full back
James Harding – Executive Director at Quilter Cheviot and Wooden Spoon Ambassador
Stephen Henry – Operate in the investment banking industry
Andrew Walker – Associate Solicitor at Eversheds LLP.
Ben Laundon – President Elect of the Rotary Club of Croydon, South.
The Arctic Rugby Challenge is sponsored by LMAX Exchange. Financial Investment management company Quilter Cheviot are challenge partners, Canterbury will be the official kit provider and Gilbert will be providing the balls.
Find out more about this world record attempt at arcticrugbychallenge.org.
