England’s most-capped rugby forward booked as guest of honour for ‘Greville’s do’
Former British & Irish Lions and England prop forward Dan Cole is the guest of honour at this year’s “very nearly sold out” Midlands Sporting Luncheon.
The popular annual event, taking place on December 10 in the Horton Suite at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel Birmingham, has established itself as one of the highlights of the UK’s business and sporting calendar.
In its 35th year, it was originally set up by Greville Edwards, aka ‘Mr Moseley Rugby Club,” and is still affectionately referred to as ‘Geville’s do.’ Greville died in 2012 aged 76.
“Greville was a stickler for punctuality, so timings for the event are very precise, in his honour: ‘Arrive midday for a 1230pm start,’” said Mark Sheasby, of Eventmasters, which runs the Midland Sporting Luncheon.
118 caps in the front row over a 19-year pro career
With 118 appearances for his country, Cole is the second-most capped England player of all time behind his Leicester Tigers team-mate and podcast partner Ben Youngs, the scrum-half.
Cole will take part in a free-flowing Q&A conversation with event compere Tim Stimpson, himself a former Lions, England and Leicester player. The after-dinner entertainment will be from award-winning stand-up comic Andrew Bird.
“This kind of event ticks all the boxes – a fun crowd and rugby chat with some decent food and wine, all in support of one of the best causes I can imagine, Prostate Cancer UK,” said Stimpson.
In support of Prostate Cancer UK
“Dan Cole has had a phenomenal rugby career and already has one of the most popular podcasts, so I’m looking forward to finding out what makes him tick, and hopefully how he makes us laugh too.”
Cole joins an impressive list of rugby luminaries as the event’s guest of honour, including 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning skipper Martin Johnson CBE, ex-Wales skipper and most-capped international player of all time (158) Alun Wyn Jones, and former Ireland skipper Brian O’Driscoll.
Sheasby added: “The 35th Midland Sporting Luncheon will be another great event. Delighted that Dan is joining us this year – a stellar 19-year career, Tigers, England and the Lions, I can’t wait to hear the stories he will have to tell.
“Stimmo, our resident MC, has become very accomplished. With him being a rugby man and ex-Tigers to boot, it should be great insight and lots of fun.
“I’m pleased to say we’re very nearly sold out, so if you haven’t yet booked, move fast to avoid disappointment.”
Prostate Cancer UK has a simple ambition: to stop men dying from prostate cancer. Through shifting the science over the next 10 years to focus on radical improvements in diagnosis, treatment, prevention and support, it aims to “stop prostate cancer being a killer.”
Event details
- Special Guest of Honour – Dan Cole
- Comedy from renowned circuit comedian – Andrew Bird.
- Master of Ceremonies – Tim Stimpson
- Heads & Tails, limited live auction and a silent auction supporting Prostate Cancer UK
- Individual places available
- Private tables of eight, 10 and 12
- Cash bar
- To book your places, visit https://www.eventmasters.co.uk/luncheons/annual-midlands-sporting-luncheon.html
