The Ospreys have thrown their weight behind a world record attempt by Crynant RFC Minis later this month.
The Dulais Valley club are hosting a special fun day on the Bank Holiday weekend where they will be launching an attempt to snatch the official world record for consecutive rugby passes.
The current record of 279 was set at Rodney Parade, home of Newport Gwent Dragons, in August 2010 and Crynant will be aiming to bring the crown to Ospreylia on Saturday 25th August.
Initially planned as a village event to drive support among the local community for the Minis section at the start of a new season, a moment of inspiration from one of the mothers had led to it becoming something special with the whole of the wider community expected to turn out in support.
Ospreys players Duncan Jones, Jonathan Spratt and Justin Tipuric will join Ozzie the Osprey at the event, along with local dignitaries including Peter Hain, MP for Neath, Gwenda Thomas, AM for Neath, Councillor Ali Thomas (Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council), and Councillor Karen Pearson (Member for Crynant), while Max Boyce is also making the short trip from Glynneath to join the fun.
As many rugby players from the age of U15 upwards are required on the day to help Crynant with their attempt to beat the existing record, with the only rules being it has to be a rugby pass, each person can only be involved once and, the pass has to travel 5m (16ft).
There will be plenty of other things going on to keep everybody entertained, with the Six Nations, Triple Crown and RaboDirect PRO12 trophies all present, along with brass bands, choirs and special guests Peppa Pig and Fireman Sam.
One of the organisers, Nicola Roderick, said:
"It is quite a challenge as we must not drop the ball. We are going to give it a good go, although it may take us a few attempts to beat it. We are asking local teams in Seven Sisters and Banwen to get involved but anyone can come along and join in. We are trying to get as many people involved as we can."
“It is going to be a family fun day as there will be lots going on.We are also using the day to fundraise for the junior team and donate some money to charity.”
Ben Rose, WRU/Ospreys Regional Community Manager, said it was important for the Ospreys to help their community clubs:
“The community rugby clubs across the region are the lifeblood of the Ospreys and are the foundation of the development pathway, so it is crucial to us as an organisation that we help them with initiatives like this. What started as a straightforward fun day to drive local support has grown into something for the whole community and we are delighted to be a part of it, helping Crynant Minis towards a possible world record and hopefully attracting new players and much needed financial support. It’s going to a great day and I’d urge anyone in the Neath area who is looking for something to do on Saturday 25th August to pop along to Woodland Road playing fields from 1pm.”
Ospreys and Wales prop Duncan Jones added:
“After everything I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve in my rugby career, to be a world record breaker with Crynant would top everything off. It’s important that we support the clubs in our region and offer them all the help we can, and in return, that they support us. I can’t wait to be part of something special at Crynant RFC and I hope that there’ll be plenty of people like me coming along to help such a great community focused club.”