Dorries, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, spoke at the unveiling of the findings of a report claiming that the tournament’s social impact program is responsible for more than £ 25 million in positive change.
The World Cup kicks off in Newcastle on 15 October and the report said the tournament helped turn an initial investment of £ 635,000 into £ 25.8 million, which had an impact on improving physical and mental fitness. diseases, strengthening communities and boosting the local economy.
During the event, Dorries moved on to the rugby league, but he seemed to be mistaken for the union code when he reflected in a bizarre way on Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic creation goal for England in the 2003 World Cup final victory over Australia.
“I have always liked the idea of rugby league,” she said.
“My long-standing memory is that 2003 goal. I’ll let you in on a little secret: we drank Bloody Marys back then, it was 11am in the morning, but wow, what a moment it was.
She added: “I have heard that it – and I know from my limited look, I’m not going to say I’m an expert watching it all the time – that it’s increasingly physical and sometimes a cruel sport and it often ends up being in a scrum, which actually reminds me of politics.
“I think we have a lot in common and since many of the media like to call me the prime minister’s attacking dog, I sometimes wonder if I should try rugby.”
Dorries responded to the barking, which caused rapid and widespread ridicule on social media, referring to former English player Jason Robinson, who played both league and union, and noted her limited exposure to the sport.