The Finnish Rugby Federation, in association with British Embassy Helsinki, is delighted to announce that the first annual Finland Rugby black tie gala will take place on 29 September at the Radisson Blu Royal, Helsinki. The guest speaker is Leinster, Ireland, Lions and Barbarians’ rugby legend Malcolm O'Kelly.

The gala is a black tie affair and will begin with a drinks reception at 19:30, followed by a 4 course dinner at 20:00. On the night the Finnish Rugby Awards will be presented to mark the achievements of players and volunteers from Finnish rugby. The national team will also be launching their new rugby kit by Samurai sportswear, making this a chance to meet some of the stars of Finnish rugby.

There will a raffle with great prizes for ladies (spa treatments, stylist appointments, hotel weekends, cruise trip, chocolates) and gents (rugby jerseys, Jameson whiskey and more), as well as an auction for a signed Ireland/Leinster rugby jersey. At the end of the evening guests will be entertained on the dance floor by a live DJ.

Rugby is now an Olympic sport and will make its debut in the 2016 Summer Olympics. The gala is being run to raise funds for the development of Finnish rugby and promises to be a must attend event for the coming years. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.rugby.fi