It was a quick race down the A1 this morning to Banbridge RFC to catch the start of the Guinness World Record Tag Rugby attempt between Mengal Taggers and The Tropics for the longest game of rugby.

Things were already under-way at 8:00am this morning with a good crowd there to see the game kick off and with plenty of activities planned to keep the supporters entertained, fed and watered throughout the next two days as they attempt to clock up 31 hours of non stop rugby.

The teams will be rotating 15 players each throughout the attempt with seven players from each team on the pitch at any time, so After watching the first 30 minutes each player will be expected to play approximately 14 hours each of this energy sapping game. There will be 12 referees from the Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees working on three hour rotations to ensure that all rules of tag are adhered two and a team of invigilators from Clubs throughout Ulster making sure that every score, and player is officially recorded throughout.

After watching the first 30 minutes I nipped off to a local hotel to watch the Ireland game, but on my return the teams were still going strong three hours into their attempt with the score reading Mengal 109 Tropics 90 but the fact that they were only one tenth into their challenge underlined the huge efforts that the players are going to have to make over the remaining 28 hours.

The world record attempt is the idea of two rugby loving brothers Scott and Stuart Nelson, who tragically lost their father to cancer, and has been organised by Gareth Bronte. The match itself takes place as part of the Cancer Research Relay for Life at Banbridge RFC.

The game will be supported by Ulster players Stephen Ferris, Ian Porter and Neil McComb among others who will be turning up throughout the two days. More importantly, a big shout out to the Ulster Society of Rugby Football Referees who will be there throughout.

This is a fantastic attempt for a great cause and we strongly urge you get along to Banbridge between now and 3:00pm Sunday 10th to show your support for this massive effort. If you can’t make it along to Banbridge you can still donate here  – www.tagworldrecord.com

Mengal Taggers: Scott Nelson, Brian O’Shaughnessy, Chris Allen, James Clecand, Mathew Fitzsimmons, David Thompson, Rhys McCauley, David Egner, David Andrews, Christine Henning, Kirsty Bronty, Imogen Porter, Chloe Lopez, Claire McLoughlin, Jemma Jackson.

The Tropics: Stuart Nelson, Stuart Scott, Ryan Jess, Phil Lunn, Pete Martin, Sam Gamble, Mike McNeill, Chris Shields, Phil Jackson, Liz Martin, Lyndsey Ferguson, Emma Cochrane, Christine Robinson, Jo Wilkinson, Karen Mercer.