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Rugby Legends Lunch & Auction at Hilton London Bankside

Barnes Rugby Football Club
Event TypeCelebration EventVenueHilton London BanksideGuest Numbers500Key FeaturesLive and silent auctions, inspirational talks from Lawrence Dallaglio, George Gregan, Wayne Barnes, after-party at The RefineryCateringThree-course seated lunch, an abundance of Guinness and other draught beersEntertainmentInspirational speeches and auctionsOur ServiceEvent ManagementLead Time12 monthsShare
Rugby Legends Lunch & Auction at Hilton London Bankside

The Brief

Ex Events were tasked with delivering a high-end annual rugby lunch for one of our valued repeat clients, hosted at Hilton London Bankside.

The event needed to bring together 500 passionate rugby fans for a memorable day combining celebration, fundraising, and networking. Key objectives included creating an engaging environment with inspirational talks from rugby legends, facilitating lively auctions to raise funds for the club, and ensuring seamless logistics for food and drink. Since we brought in an external supplier to facilitate the draft beer – which, of course is a must-have for an event like this – smooth coordination was essential.

The client wanted a polished yet energetic atmosphere that would not only honour the club’s traditions but also build momentum for future events.

Delivery

On the day, the Hilton London Bankside provided a stunning backdrop for this large-scale event. Guests enjoyed a delicious three-course seated lunch paired with flowing Guinness and draught beers, fuelling the vibrant atmosphere.

The program featured live and silent auctions, and the day was hosted and presented by Mark Durden Smith. It included inspirational talks from rugby legends such as Lawrence Dallaglio, George Gregan, and Wayne Barnes. Insightful presentations kept the audience engaged throughout. The event culminated with a lively after-party at The Refinery, providing the perfect setting for informal networking and celebration.

Throughout, our team coordinated closely with suppliers and venue staff to ensure flawless execution and a seamless guest experience.

Results

The event was a tremendous success, bringing together record numbers and generating significant funds through the auctions. Feedback highlighted the compelling talks, smooth event flow, and welcoming atmosphere.

The client was thrilled with how the day balanced tradition and excitement, praising the collaborative effort behind the scenes. With the following year already scheduled, this rugby lunch has solidified its place as a flagship event – strengthening community ties and setting the stage for continued growth and engagement.