New kit unveiled for MPs rugby league team
Swapping their iPads and mobiles for knee socks, MPs past and present, peers and councillors will play in their annual game next month in London.
Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland, who is an avid rugby league fan has led the launch of the new kit for the Political Animals Parliamentary Rugby League Football Club team.
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Hide AdThe new black and white kit - perhaps a nod to political neutrality - is courtesy of Ladbrokes, the team’s new sponsor.
Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham MP, former Tory minister and Keighley MP Kris Hopkins, former shadow leader of the House of Commons Chris Bryant MP and Karl McCartney MP have all made an appearance in the past.
Labour's Wigan MP Lisa Nandy has also been known to carry out the ceremonial kick off.
Mr Mulholland, a Lib Dem, said: “I was delighted to launch the new kit for the Political Animals. Parliament has an active rugby league team and the new black and white kit gives us an excellent new look ahead of our next set of fixtures. I want to thank Ladbrokes for sponsoring the team and I look forward to giving the kit its debut in our first match at the end of August!”
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Hide AdThe kit makes its debut for the team at the traditional annual match against London Select XIII, a team drawn from across London. The game will take place at London Skolars on the afternoon of Friday, August 26.
The team was set up in 2010 and has members of all levels and all major political parties, and plays charitable and representative sides.
Rugby league player Kris Radlinksi, who has played for Wigan and Great Britain, Brian Carney (Warrington and Great Britain) and Andy Johnson (Wigan) have all played in matches too.
Ex-player and commentator Mike Stephenson is the club’s president.