The London Rugby League Foundation joined with the Parliamentary Rugby League Group to welcome clubs from across London and the South East to the Palace of Westminster this week to showcase the breadth of the sport in and around the capital.

Representatives from clubs and the Foundation joined London and South East MPs and Members of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group at the reception to celebrate the game.

Dan Steel, Director of the London Rugby League Foundation, said: “The aim of the event was to thank club volunteers for the hard work they do in communities, help them connect with local MPs and raise the profile of the London Rugby League Foundation and the work that we do and have planned to benefit the sport in and around London.”

Formed earlier this year, with trustees and the support of the RFL, the Foundation aims to help develop the sport in London. This involves delivering programmes to drive participation such as Sky Try, but also other campaigns on health and wellbeing, such as State of Mind.

The Foundation aims to support clubs and expand the work done in and around London, directly and through partners, such as Hard Rock Cafe London.

Commenting on the event Leeds North West MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Rugby League Group, Greg Mulholland said: “It was great to bring clubs from London and the South East to Parliament for a celebration of rugby league. I enjoyed meeting volunteers who work hard to develop the game, and hope that both the Parliamentary Rugby League Group and their local MPs will be able to offer continued support."

Steel added: “This was an excellent illustration of the support for rugby league in and around London. It’s great to see that there is support for the game in Parliament, and I would like to thank the Parliamentary Rugby League Group for their support. I hope that clubs will continue to work closely with their local MPs, to expand the reach of the game.”