With the Commonwealth Games coming to Birmingham in 2022, Debbie Bannigan, the Labour Party’s MP Candidate for Rugby and Bulkington has been urging Birmingham City Council and Rugby School to come together to host the Rugby 7s teams where the game began.

“Such a prestigious event, happening on our doorstep, has to celebrate the connection with Rugby. I’m sure that all of the teams, from across the Commonwealth, would love to spend some time here, and where better to set up their training camps than at the place where the game began”.

Cllr Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, who visited Rugby at Debbie’s invitation on Thursday 10 January, dropping in at Rugby School and the World Rugby Hall of Fame, confirmed that he is keen to make this happen:

“As a lifelong Rugby fan, it was a privilege and an inspiration to spend time at Rugby School with Debbie Bannigan, and have the opportunity to touch the pitch where William Webb Ellis picked up the ball and ran. The World Rugby Hall of Fame shows the town’s potential to showcase the sport’s heritage. With Rugby 7’s featuring in Birmingham’s Commonwealth Games, it would be great to be able to bring the visiting teams to Rugby when they’re training for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and I look forward to exploring opportunities with Rugby School.

Initial discussions are underway with Rugby School, following the visit from Cllr Ward, Debbie Bannigan, Cllr Sharon Thompson of Birmingham City Council and Cllr Claire Edwards, Leader of Rugby Borough Council Labour Group.