By Lucy Smith

When I heard about the partnership between Mills and Boon and the RFU I had to find out more.  The main aim of the event was to launch some books in the International Billionaires series.  All the books are based around the sport of English rugby.  There are a total of 8 books in the series and all of the books come with the backing of the RFU.  The books will be released from February to September this year, with “The Prince’s Waitress Wife” being the first book on release.

The general aim of the partnership and the release of these books are to attract more women to the game of rugby with an added touch of glamorous appeal.  The leading men in the books are said to be brooding alpha male types which will have women all over the UK being made weak at the knees. 

So getting dressed up in my Mills and Boon finery, I trotted off to Twickenham in the moonlight.  On arriving at Twickenham, I was greeted with the sight of a red carpet leading up to the Spirit of Rugby entrance.  Upon arriving in the Spirit of Rugby suite, I was greeted by the sight of rather dashing (topless) young men with trays of champagne.  There were copies of the first book around the room as well as copious amount of roses. 

Also, there was a rodeo rugby ball and a blow up set of rugby posts with which the assorted guests could pretend for one moment that they were Jonny Wilkinson scoring the last minute drop goal in the World Cup Final.  This was complete with 2 members of staff from the RFU who take them around the country to schools so that school kids can have a go at rugby.  They were also very good at coaching people at kicking.  “Keep your head over the top of the ball, not literally

On hand were mini cones of fish and chips and mini burgers which went down a storm.  There was a performance by the opera band Blake.  They performed 3 songs – “Swing Low”, “World in Union” and finished off with a rousing version of “Jerusalem”.

Among the guests for the evening were people from the various papers and magazines which have an interest in the launch, which was almost everyone.  The launch has generated much interest not only in the rugby circles but in the wider population.  There were representatives from the publishers, Mills & Boon, rugby players with 4 of the England sevens team in their English finery.  Also in attendance was the girlfriend of RFTG favourite, James Haskell, Felicia Field who was on hand to describe him as a real life “scrummie”.

There was a raffle which included the prizes of a signed England shirt (framed), tickets to a home match of the current Premiership leaders, London Irish, an England  supporters member pack with all the usual bits and pieces: scarf, beanie and cap etc. and for the gentleman – a tie and cuff links.  In keeping with the evening, all the winners were women.

As the guests were leaving, they were given a goodie bag which included a copy of the first book.  I had a read of the book on the train back home and it is definitely a good read.  I would recommend that everyone has a read when the books are published!!

Photography by Philippa Gedge