At Howden, we believe in the power of rugby as a force for good, just like insurance. That’s why we’re proud to be a Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions. And we’re not just cheering from the side-lines; our local branches across the UK are rallying behind the countdown to Australia, bringing the excitement from the Lions to your local team.
We have a long history of supporting our clients, being on the high street and playing a part in community growth. And the same can be said for grassroots rugby. So, as the Lions prepare to head down under, here’s how your local Howden team is celebrating—and how we’re giving back to the rugby community that gives us all so much.
How is Howden celebrating Lions Origin Clubs?
As Howden is a Principal Partner of The British & Irish Lions, you’ll see our logo emblazoned on the iconic squad jersey – and the new Canterbury design will soon be revealed. And just as every player who has worn that jersey has, we must earn our right to be on the shirt.
Rugby has many opportunities, and yet as a sport, faces so many challenges on and off the field – that’s why we’re so committed to helping rugby thrive in the communities we serve. We’re backing community level activities and supporting the grassroots game via the Lions Origin Clubs.
These are clubs where every Lion through the years has begun their rugby journey. We’re recognising Lions Origin Clubs that have shaped the future of the game by nurturing talent and guiding players on their journey to representing The British & Irish Lions.
Without these clubs, we wouldn’t have seen the 1974 squad go undefeated in South Africa and earn the ‘Invincible’ moniker. We wouldn’t have seen George North tearing up the turf and upending Israel Folau in a fireman’s lift. Nor would we have seen John Bentley’s “life-changing” try, racing down the wing before cutting inside under the posts.
These moments live on in our memories, the players cementing their names in sporting history. But what about the clubs, coaches, and teammates that helped them get there? To honour these clubs we’re awarding commemorative plaques to each club, serving as a lasting symbol of the clubs’ contributions to the sport and their pivotal role in developing rugby legends. And it’s the first time that these Lions Origin Clubs have been celebrated in this way.
We’ve identified 573 Lions Origin Clubs that correspond to our branches and centres across the country, so that these teams can work closely with the Lions Origin Clubs to create genuine connections to help drive future initiatives and be a force for good in grassroots rugby.
Post-match reports from the celebrations so far!
Let’s take a look at some of the celebrations so far. In Newbury, we enjoyed a full weekend of men, women’s, U15 and Colts matches, plus training for boys and girls in age groups from U6 through to U14 the club celebrated Newbury RFC’s Lions legacy.
Howden colleagues including Matt Bergin and Vicki Smith presented a plaque to Newbury RFC Chair Sarah Tunstall to celebrate the club’s connection to The British & Irish Lions, rooted in the careers of Tom Croft, Tyrone Howe and Jonathan Joseph.
A member of the 2009 and 2013 British & Irish Lions squads, Tom, who played at Newbury RFC in his youth, became the first Lions forward to score twice against the Springboks. Everyone was delighted to welcome him back to Newbury at the celebrations.
Sarah Tunstall, Newbury RFC Chair, said: “In what was already a packed day of youth rugby, it was a huge honour to welcome Tom and the team from Howden to the club to celebrate our Lions. The players across the age groups found Tom’s visit hugely inspiring and the whole club was buzzing with energy all day.”
In Northampton, Long Buckby Rugby Club commemorated its Lions Origin Club status during a special event with Lions legend David ‘Piggy’ Powell. Celebrating 150 years of rugby and Long Buckby’s legacy, Howden colleagues Lewis Ellis and Sophie Ticehurst presented Long Buckby Chairman Guy Roberts and David Powell the plaque to celebrate the club’s connection to The British & Irish Lions. David began his journey with Long Buckby as a teenager and went on to earn his Lions jersey during the 1968 tour.
Lewis Ellis, Commercial Account Executive at Howden Northampton, said: “This partnership has never been just a name on a shirt — it’s about celebrating the deep-rooted history teams such as Long Buckby that have shaped the game and produced incredible players like David.”
The Northampton team also visited Northampton Old Scouts RFC, to celebrate the incredible contributions of players like Ben Cohen, Courtney Lawes, and Steve Thompson, who each earned their jerseys from The British & Irish Lions and who all played for the club at an amateur level before turning professional. Club President, Keith Shurville accepted the plaque, marking another proud moment in the club’s storied history.
Meanwhile, Reading Rugby Football Club celebrated with Howden Maidenhead, in honour of Lions legend Clive Rees. In 1974, he was selected as the youngest member of the Invincible Squad that remained unbeaten during the South African tour. Branch Manager Craig Warburton and Assistant Branch Manager Alex Onslow-Major presented the plaque to Club President Yasmin Miller.
Heading to Birmingham, we recently joined Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club as they fundraised over £6,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund. Bill Sweeney and Robert Udwin, the CEO and President of the RFU joined, alongside Lions Legend Geordan Murphy and also some of Moseley’s finest players over the years.
Birmingham Branch Manager James Haynes said: “I had the great pleasure of attending a fantastic event at Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club, invited by Technology Supply Chain and hosted by The British & Irish Lions legend Geordan Murphy.
“It was an honour to be part of such a remarkable day filled with rugby and exceptional hospitality. Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club has played a pivotal role in developing nine Lions legends, and we were delighted to present a plaque in recognition of their significant contribution to the sport.”
The next generation of Legends
We’re looking forward to all our Origins events still to come, connecting with even more players, supporters, coaches and local people. To see what events are coming up, and what’s happening near you visit our What’s On page!
You can find out more regarding the partnership between Howden and The British & Irish Lions here.