Sportsman’s Dinner Raises Thousands for Local Good Causes

This year’s Sportsman’s Dinner took place on Thursday, 19th March 2026, at the Leicester Tigers’ Welford Road Stadium. Now firmly established as a highlight in the calendar, the event once again delivered an evening of exceptional entertainment, camaraderie, and charitable generosity.

Guests were treated to not one but two international sporting megastars as headline speakers.

Presiding over the evening’s proceedings and returning by popular demand was Roger Dakin. A former England hockey goalkeeper who later coached the national side during its rise to prominence, Roger’s trademark wit and effortless stagecraft ensured the night ran seamlessly from start to finish.

Supporting him with the charity auctions was another familiar face, Ed Giddins, the former England fast bowler who has successfully reinvented himself as an auctioneer. His energy and humour helped keep the bids flowing throughout the night.

The first guest speaker was Stuart Broad CBE, the legendary England fast bowler turned commentator. A towering right‑arm seamer and left‑handed lower‑order batsman, Broad formed one half of the most prolific new‑ball partnership in Test history alongside James Anderson. Interviewed on stage by Roger, he shared candid reflections on his career, offering insight, humour, and memorable anecdotes to a packed room.

He was followed by Kyran Bracken MBE, the former England scrum‑half, best known for his role in the triumphant 2003 Rugby World Cup squad. Bracken brought a lively, interactive style to the stage, roaming the room as he recounted some of the most entertaining and occasionally outrageous moments from his rugby career.

Throughout the evening, guests were encouraged to take part in the Live and Silent auctions and raffles, and once the counting had concluded and the bills paid, a good surplus was achieved. An amount to be confirmed will be donated to each of the chosen charities, Loros, Rainbows, and The Matt Hampson Foundation. We thank all who attended, and specifically those who bought auction prizes.

Peter Kinder, Head of Leicestershire & Rutland Freemasons, summed up the spirit of the evening:“This is a truly remarkable event. To spend an evening being entertained and to raise so much money makes all the hard work and effort in planning and organising worthwhile.”