Soldiers prepare to tackle highest rugby match on Earth
Soldiers fighting on the frontline
in Afghanistan are hoping to play
the highest rugby match on Earth
when they trek to Everest base
camp.
The servicemen from the
Household Cavalry have recently
deployed to Helmand province
where duties include tracking
high-risk insurgents and targeting
Taliban weapons caches.
Captain Mike Wilmot from the
Household Cavalry will take
part in the charity trek to
Everest base camp. Credit: PA
Wire
But on their return to the UK in
September training will begin in
earnest as they plan a charity
trek to Everest base camp, at an
altitude of 5,164 metres, where
they will take on Aviva
Premiership side Harlequins in a
bid to break a world record.
– CAPTAIN MIKE WILMOT
They will have to carry their own
kit, balls and posts and then
clear a dried up lake bed to
create their pitch.
The team are aiming to raise
£250,000 for the Household
Cavalry Foundation, Combat
Stress and the RFU Injured
Players Foundation.
Soldiers from the Household
Cavalry who are currently
serving in Afghanistan on
Operation Herrick 18. Credit:
PA Wire
They plan to begin the trek in
March and, depending on
conditions, the match of touch
sevens should take place in
Gorakshep in April.
Capt Wilmot said sponsors were
needed to support the mission,
with companies being invited to
display their logos by the side of
the pitch, on team clothing and
online.
