David Mercer, CEO British multilateral trading facility for FX, LMAX Exchange, and a team including several ex-professional national rugby players, have officially broken a Guinness World Record by playing the northernmost game of rugby ever attempted – at the North Pole.
The game, which took place on Tuesday night, was the final feat at the end of a gruelling 100 mile trek through the Arctic to raise money for Wooden Spoon, the official Children’s Charity for Rugby.
The Wooden Spoon Arctic Rugby Challenge, which was supported by LMAX Exchange as official sponsor, seeks to raise in excess of £300,000 to aid projects across the UK and Ireland to support disadvantaged and disabled children. According to LMAX, Mr Mercer’s own fundraising efforts so far have raised £50,000.
Safely back at base camp, David Mercer said: “This is without question the hardest thing I have ever done, and probably will ever do. It has been really brutal at times and we have been physically tested to the limit, but the sense of achievement and reward in knowing that it is all for an amazing cause make it beyond worthwhile. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.”
The challenge has been led by experienced expedition leader, Steve Pinfield, and the team consists of former Rugby Union Internationals, Tim Stimpson (England and Leicester Tigers) and Ollie Phillips (England 7s and Gloucester winger). Former England and British Lions player Lee Mears refereed the match at the North Pole.
For the official announcement from LMAX, click here.