**Welsh Couple Seeks Rugby Glory With Guinness World Record Attempt**
A pair from Porthcawl, South Wales, are preparing to push themselves to the absolute limit this week as they embark on a gruelling challenge—attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest game of rugby. James and Melanie Burge-Davies, both accomplished rugby enthusiasts, are heading to Ireland to participate in the non-stop, full-contact event, all in the name of charity.
The event, which takes place at Mullingar RFC just outside of Dublin from 18th to 19th June, aims to set new benchmarks for both men’s and women’s rugby. Each match will run continuously for an astonishing 36 hours, shattering not only previous time records but also testing the resolve and stamina of everyone involved. The current records stand at 30 hours and 29 minutes for men and 24 hours and 5 minutes for women, underscoring the scale of this challenge.
James, an IT manager aged 42, and Melanie, a 41-year-old GP, are no strangers to the sport. The couple have both captained their respective sides at Porthcawl RFC and have instilled in their family a true sense of rugby camaraderie, even coaching their local Under-11s. Their participation in the record attempt is also deeply rooted in a desire to make a difference beyond the pitch.
The core purpose of this marathon match is to raise significant funds for Wooden Spoon, a rugby charity dedicated to supporting disadvantaged and disabled children across the UK and Ireland. In addition, the event will benefit other charitable organisations, including Looseheads, which focuses on mental health in sport, and the British & Irish Lions Trust supporting past and present players.
With 23 players per side, including substitutes, and six referees rotating throughout, keeping up with the rigorous demands of a full-contact rugby game over such an extended time will not be easy. The planning is meticulous; participants are expected to play in blocks of four to five hours, followed by rest periods, with water and nutrition breaks carefully scheduled. Overnight, the structure will shift to allow slightly longer stints off the field, providing opportunities for players to grab a rare power nap.
Preparing for a feat of such endurance is no small matter. The Burge-Davies family began their training after learning of their selection in January. “We’ve both been trying to lose weight, eating healthier, and doing more cardio, especially cycling and gym sessions,” said James. Melanie, meanwhile, has taken up a leadership role as captain of a local touch rugby team, further building fitness and teamwork ahead of the challenge.
The atmosphere surrounding the attempt is one of both determination and anticipation, as the couple hopes to surpass their personal fundraising target of £3,000. According to James, donations so far have come from local community support, family, friends, and crucially, from generous sponsorship by local businesses. The collective goal for the event is to raise over £100,000, with more than 80% already pledged in advance of the matches.
For the Burge-Davies family, rugby isn’t just a sport but a shared passion and a way to contribute to the broader community. “Most couples with children might opt for a romantic evening away, but we’ve decided our break will be 36 hours of rugby,” James reflected. Their commitment to the sport and charity encapsulates a spirit of selflessness and determination that resonates well beyond their hometown.
As the couple prepares to take to the pitch, the eyes of the rugby world—and supporters of the charities involved—will be watching closely. Their effort is a testament to the power of sport to unite, inspire, and drive meaningful change, even when the challenge seems almost insurmountable.
Supporters wishing to donate to their cause can find their JustGiving page online, as the family and their teammates brace for an unforgettable 36 hours that are sure to test their physical and mental limits alike.