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Rugby League is gearing up for one of its most memorable family reunions of all time later this month when ex-players, officials and administrators from seven different decades will converge on Headingley.
Over 200 former servants of the professional game have already confirmed their attendance at the event on Saturday November 23 (11.30am) onwards. Organised by Rugby League Cares, the luncheon is being held in the prestigious Emerald Suite in the stadium’s new North Stand, which has spectacular views over both the rugby and cricket pitches.
The reunion is part of RL Cares’s ongoing efforts to re-engage people with the sport they served with distinction and will also mark a key anniversary in the sport’s history.
It is 60 years since Great Britain last won the Ashes on home soil and the lunch will see surviving members of that famous squad come together at a venue where the 1959 Test series against Australia was levelled with the home nation’s 11-10 victory in the second Test.
Eight of those points came from tries by Johnny Whiteley MBE and Neil Fox MBE, who also kicked a conversion: both men will be guests of honour at the reunions luncheon.
The confirmed attendees also include some notable personalities such as former Hunslet, Whitehaven and Kent Invicta player and coach Steve Lane, who is travelling from his home in Ghana.
Ron Bailey, the secretary of Featherstone Rovers in the 1950s and 1960, is travelling up from his Northampton base and two residents of Windsor, ex-RFL PRO and St Helens Chief Executive David Howes and former Head of Yorkshire Television sport and Scrumdown producer Robert Charles, will also be present.
Former Great Britain hooker Tony Fisher, who retired to Lincolnshire several years ago, is hoping to meet up with some of his 1970 Lions team-mates and the players he played alongside and coached over four decades in the game.
Fred Lindop, who refereed the 1970 RL World Cup Final at Headingley, has confirmed his attendance.
Tickets for the 2019 RL Cares Reunions Lunch cost £30 and are still available to any who has had a formal role within the professional game as player, coach, backroom staff, administrator, match official or media.
To book your place, please email Rugby League Cares on info@rlcares.org.uk
