Ex-England lock George Kruis helps set Rugby Sevens world record after 28-hour challenge

Former England lock George Kruis was among the players who helped set a provisional Guinness World Record for the longest men’s Rugby Sevens match after a marathon 28-hour challenge at Sandbach RUFC.

The 24/7s event in Cheshire saw men’s and women’s teams come together to raise awareness and funds for rugby mental health charity LooseHeadz, with more than £68,500 donated so far.

The previous men’s benchmark stood at 24 hours and 30 minutes, but that mark was surpassed on Saturday afternoon as the players reached a provisional new record of 28 hours.

The women’s participants also established a provisional record time of 28 hours, with both achievements now subject to formal review and verification by Guinness World Records.

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Power of community rugby

Kruis, who won 45 caps for England and toured with the British & Irish Lions, was among the 48 players who took part in the challenge.

Former England Rugby Sevens captain and World Sevens Player of the Year Ollie Phillips, former Ireland international Anna Caplice, and ex-Fiji internationals Niko Matawalu and Vereniki Goneva were also involved as coaches.

Kruis said: “Being part of LooseHeadz’ 24/7s challenge was one of the toughest but most rewarding rugby experiences I’ve ever had.

“You could feel the purpose behind every minute, and while we were chasing a world record, more importantly, we were raising awareness for mental health in our sport.

“The atmosphere at Sandbach, on and off the pitch, was unbelievable and it showed the power of community rugby.”

Incredible achievement

LooseHeadz co-founder Rob Shotton praised everyone involved in completing the challenge.

He said: “Attempting two new world records is an incredible achievement, but what stands out most is the collective effort it took to get there.

“From the players grinding through the early hours to the officials, physios, volunteers and supporters who never stopped cheering, 24/7s has shown exactly what the rugby community can do when it comes together.

“Every pass, tackle and step taken over those many hours helps us raise vital funds and keep pushing our mission to place a mental health champion in every rugby club in the world.”

The achievement follows LooseHeadz’s landmark record attempt last summer, when the longest men’s and women’s rugby union matches were completed at Mullingar RFC in Ireland.

Donations to support the 24/7s challenge and LooseHeadz’s work across the rugby community can be made via the JustGiving website. Donate here.

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