Source: Craig Taylor

Rugby League Player & Coach plan the Jo Cox memorial tour

  • +1

Ex Rugby player Ikram Butt and rugby league coach Craig Taylor have come together to organise the Jo Cox Memorial Tour; a ground breaking, multicultural rugby tour. #moreincommon

Before her tragic death Jo Cox, MP for Batley and Spen, dedicated her time to many causes and her loss is still felt deeply within her community.

In her memory (BARA) British Asian Rugby Association founder, ex Leeds and England player Ikram Butt along with head of Batley Bulldogs female rugby league programme Craig Taylor, are in the early stages of planning this groundbreaking rugby tour.

The aim is to select a BARA ladies team that represents the cultural diversity of the Kirklees area. Then go to Pakistan to play the first ever female game, in Pakistan, of the 13 a side code (rugby league).

The squad would also spend time coaching in schools and colleges, communicating with and trying to inspire girls and young women to take up either code of rugby (rugby league or rugby union).

Craig said: “from my years of coaching women and girls rugby league I have found that it gives confidence, a sense of belonging and really empowers those that play.”

Ikram said: “The aim of the tour is to break down cultural barriers, spread the game of rugby, but most importantly the tour is based around the work and beliefs of the late MP Jo Cox.

“Jo worked tirelessly for, and truly believed in community cohesion. This was evident in her opening speech at the House of Commons from which I quote: “While we celebrate our diversity, what surprises me time and time again as I travel around the constituency is that we are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.

There will be more news to follow shortly.

If anyone is interested in assisting financially or giving up time to make the tour go ahead please get in touch with Craig or Ikram via: craig.taylor1609@hotmail.co.uk.

Report courtesy of Craig Taylor