Shaun Wane and Jack Welsby gained a rare experience on Wednesday evening in the build-up to Saturday’s first Ashes Test at Wembley – crossing the threshold of 10 Downing Street.
With support from the Minister for Sport Stephanie Peacock, and the Chair of Rugby League’s All-Party Parliamentary Group David Baines, representatives of the England and Australia squads were invited for a promotional photoshoot with the 97-year-old Ashes trophy outside the nation’s most famous front door.
The England party arrived slightly early, and after clearing security to walk up Downing Street from Whitehall, Wane and Welsby received a surprise invitation to enter Number 10.
What transpired inside remains their secret – they re-emerged a few minutes later to shake hands with Kevin Walters and Isaah Yeo, and to pose for pictures with their political hosts.
David Baines said:
“As a lifelong Rugby League fan it’s a huge honour to be Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group, and we’re doing all we can to promote the sport at the highest levels as much as possible.
“Already this year we have celebrated Sir Billy Boston becoming the first Rugby League knight in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his outstanding impact and legacy, and this week I was delighted to receive permission for England and Australia representatives to meet the Sports Minister in Downing Street.
“As a Saints fan, I was particularly pleased that it was Jack Welsby who represented England with Shaun Wane.
“It’s not every day that Rugby League – or any sport – has the chance to be showcased on Downing Street, but this is an historic rivalry, and it is such a boost for the sport to have the Kangaroos back in England, so it was great that their senior representatives could also share in this little piece of history.
“Wednesday had started with Sir Lindsay Hoyle relishing the prospect of the series at the start of Prime Minister’s Questions, and continued with our latest APPG meeting – which featured a first appearance in Parliament for the Ashes trophy, before it was transferred to Downing Street.
“Saturday’s Test at Wembley will be a fantastic occasion. With apologies to the Australians – come on England!”
David Baines and the Minister for Sport, Tourism, Civil Society and Youth will also be in attendance at Wembley on Saturday, among a host of other special guests.
Rivalries will be reignited when England take on Australia in the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes THIS SATURDAY. The two nations will meet in a three-match test series over 20 years in the making and with the second and third test completely SOLD OUT; Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25 October is your only place to watch this fierce rivalry live!
Book your Wembley tickets here with prices starting from just £20 for adults and £10 for U16’s.
The three-game Ashes Series will also be shown live on the BBC.
