Rugby world record attempt was 'amazing'

(L-R) Roisin Winston, Ellie Ferrie and Sarah Coleman from Newbury Rugby Club took part in a charity rugby match

A rugby player has said taking part in a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest game of women's rugby was "amazing".

The game kicked off at Mullingar Rugby Club in County Westmeath, Ireland, at 08:00 BST on Wednesday, concluding just over 29 hours later.

Sarah Coleman and Roisin Winston were two of three players from Newbury Rugby Club who took part.

Ms Coleman said the experience was "super exhausting" but "absolutely amazing".

She said watching the sun set and rise during the same match was "mental", and that the cold, damp night was harder than the hot days.

"All you want to do is sleep," said Ms Coleman, whose longest shift was about six and a half hours.

"I got to about five and I was like 'I cannot do this, my legs are killing me, my feet are so sore'."

But she persevered because she knew her teammates needed the rest.

Ms Winston also said the team was one of her biggest motivators.

"We did a really good job of pulling together and looking out for each other," she said.

Ms Coleman said her longest shift was about six and a half hours

The event, which also included an attempt on the men's world record, was raising money for three charities - children's rugby charity Wooden Spoon, rugby mental health charity LooseHeadz, and The Lions Trust.

LooseHeadz said the women's record of 24 hours, five minutes and 15 seconds was surpassed, with a new benchmark of 26 hours and 33 minutes.

The previous men's record, which stood at 30 hours, 29 minutes and 41 seconds, was also surpassed on Thursday afternoon.

Both will be subject to official verification by the Guinness World Records.

Two games, one for men and one for women, were played at the event

More than £110,000 was raised at the event with fundraising continuing.

Both Ms Coleman and Ms Winston said the fundraising element helped motivate them when the going got tough.

"It was all about the children and young people we were helping... that's why I did it," said Ms Coleman.

Ms Winston said: "It's really nice to know that you've done something really hard but you're making a difference to people who really need it.

"That was enough keep you going through the night."