Nadine Dorries has said her rugby league blunder has helped raise awareness for the sport.
The culture secretary was invited to get a first-hand taste of rugby league after confusing the 13-man game with the rival union code†
She stunned a rugby league crowd in St Helens by referring to Jonny Wilkinson’s match-winning drop goal for England in the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup Final in Sydney.
Dorries joked “You’re welcome” after telling MPs on Thursday that sports officials informed her that the game “has never had so much publicity”.
Dorries issued a statement about her departmental responsibilities in the House of Commons during departmental questions: “Over the past few weeks we have seen huge crowds at Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, Glastonbury, Silverstone and Wimbledon.
“The Women’s European Championship kicked off last night and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games are underway.
“It’s going to be a great British summer full of culture and sport.
“Speaking of sports, last week I was lucky enough to attend an event in honor of the upcoming Rugby League World Cup.
“I know the Speaker (Sir Lindsay Hoyle) is a big fan of the sport.
“I know that although I do not share his detailed expertise, I know he will be delighted that the Rugby League executives have told me, and Mr Speaker, I believe that the Rugby League has never had so much publicity and so much attention to the game.
“And so I can only say, Mr. Chairman, that you are welcome.”