Jade Botterill

Jade Botterill

Labour — Ossett and Denby Dale

Speaking in the House of Commons on 26 March 2025

Debate

Grassroots Rugby League

Contribution

I beg to move, That this House has considered Government support for grassroots rugby league. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Mr Vickers. There was recently a debate in Westminster Hall about rugby union, and I am glad that now that the six nations is over, we can get back to talking about real rugby, especially on the day that the return of the Ashes has just been announced. From the grassroots to the biggest stages, I know all too well how sport is an essential part of our lives. The value sporting clubs bring to communities cannot be overstated, but in my view, there is something truly special about rugby league because it is entirely embedded in our communities. Those deep roots come from the history of the sport, with northern towns and working-class players wanting a competition that better represented and reflected them. We may see players making TV big hits on a weekend and scoring match-winning tries, but in the week we see them doing the big shop at the local Asda, coaching their kids team, at the school drop off and even—sometimes—down the pub.

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