Local sports ambassador and Heritage Foundation governor Mick Johal, who earlier this year received the High Sheriff’s Award for his outstanding contribution to grassroots rugby in Hertfordshire, managed the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) squad at the inaugural Bombay Gymkhana International Rugby 10s. The tournament formed part of the Bombay Gymkhana’s 150th anniversary celebration, and was billed as India’s biggest social rugby event.
The BARA team, featuring six young people from Letchworth Garden City alongside others from across the UK, made history by winning the tournament in spectacular fashion; beating the hosts 57–12 in the final.
But the story goes beyond the scoreboard. When the squad arrived short of players, they welcomed six young athletes from Mumbai’s slums. These young people were members of The Magicians, a grassroots rugby group supported by the Eleanor Foundation – whose mission is the use the power of rugby to develop life skills, and improve educational attainment for children from underprivileged communities in India. Whilst the call went out for three players, six young people eagerly arrived. Mick got the kit together and gave all six the chance to take part in what would be an extraordinary tournament. These players joined the team, trained hard, and shared in the victory, proving how sport can break barriers and create lifelong friendships.
“This was more than a tournament,” said Mick. “It was a reminder of how rugby builds community and opportunity - whether on a pitch in Mumbai or here in Letchworth.”
As well as being an astonishing example of Mick’s passion and dedication for young people’s rugby, this achievement reflects the values that make Letchworth a Great Place to Grow Up. Our town’s thriving sports clubs - rugby, football, cricket and more - give young people the chance to develop skills, confidence, and friendships that last a lifetime. From local pitches to international arenas, Letchworth’s sporting spirit continues to inspire and open doors. BARA has plans to expand in 2026, and is already looking forward to the next All-India tournament and hosting games around the country. Visit bararugby.co.uk or follow @bara.cic on Instagram to find out how young people can start their rugby journey now – who knows where it might take them.
To celebrate their success, the team were invited by Lord Addington to visit parliament in early December – and they made sure they took the trophy along for the ride! Congratulations to Mick and the entire squad for showing the world what our community stands for.