London’s top S&P brokers look set to go head-to-head for the chance to have lunch with a Rugby World Cup winner – and it’s all in the name of charity.

Up for grabs is a private lunch with rugby legends Neil Back and Martyn Williams in March 2020 ahead of the England v Wales game at Twickenham.

The lunch is the idea of Graig Shipping commercial director Chris Williams, as part of the Cardiff-based owner’s celebrations to mark its 100-year anniversary.

Competing companies will be able to participate by way of a private silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Velindre Cancer Centre.

The auction takes place on 1 November 2019, the Friday before the Rugby World Cup Final. Williams has kicked things off with an initial bid of £1,000 ($1,284).

Each bidder will provide their mobile/Whats App number and Williams will set up a group chat “Graig100 Williams/Back Lunch Silent Auction”.

I am receiving numerous calls asking what and who is bidding so clearly the interest is building

Chris Williams

Bidding will start at 14:30 with each entrant then able to bid a minimum amount of £100 until bidding closes at 17:00 on the same day – prize goes to highest bidder.

Companies that have already agreed to participate include Affinity, Arrow, Channing Lucas, Campbell Johnston Clark, Clarkson, Galbraiths, SSY, VesselsValue/Seasure and Grieg.

“I am receiving numerous calls asking what and who is bidding so clearly the interest is building. I expect a few more companies may join in the lead up,” Williams tells TradeWinds.

“I was lucky enough to spend some time with Martyn last year on a charity cycle ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles and he is jolly good company.

“He will have recently returned from the Rugby World Cup in Japan and will no doubt be full of interesting stories to tell.

“He has asked his buddy and long-time friend Neil Back to join, who no doubt will give a detail account on the English side plus many stories to boot.”

Back is no stranger to the shipping industry. His son Fin Back has just signed his first ever professional football contract with Nottingham Forest, which of course is owned by Greek shipowner Evangelos Marinakis.