Lessons from rugby league’s grassroots — and how E.ON is helping power the game's community spirit

E.ON has teamed up with England Rugby League to shine a spotlight on the people and places that keep the sport alive.

Together, we are celebrating the power of grassroots rugby – the local clubs, volunteers and young players who give the game its heart.

As part of the partnership, E.ON spoke with England stars about where their journeys began – with their thoughts on the power of their beginnings in the sport they love, captured in this video.

Each shared how those early days in community clubs shaped who they are today.

England captain George Williams remembered learning the value of teamwork at Wigan St Patricks ARLFC.

“Grassroots taught me a lot – it showed me there’s no ‘I’ in team. You can’t be selfish if you want to be in a good team, and you learn that from a pretty young age,” he said.

For Mikołaj Olędzki, who began playing after moving from Poland to Leeds, grassroots rugby gave him a sense of belonging.

“Everyone starts at grassroots and community level, and if you take that away, that journey never starts,” he explained.

Kai Pearce-Paul, who came through Croydon Hurricanes, spoke about the friendships that last long after the final whistle.

“The best thing about rugby really is that you get friendships for life,” he said.

And Dom Young, once a young player at Dewsbury Moor ARLFC, said: “When you see someone from your community doing well and achieving big things, it makes you feel that it’s possible for you.”

To bring those same feelings to the next generation, E.ON launched a special Ashes mascot competition earlier this year.

Children from community clubs were given the chance to walk England’s stars out onto the pitch at Wembley, Liverpool and Leeds during the historic return of the Rugby League Ashes – and can be seen above with the team at the final Ashes game on November 8.

For E.ON, the partnership is about more than sponsorship – it’s about helping communities grow stronger together.

Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs at E.ON UK, said: “We were thrilled to be backing the England Rugby League team as they took on the Kangaroos in this year’s newly reinstated and hotly anticipated Ashes series. We wished the England team the very best as they chased down the Rugby League Ashes this year.

“Our new partnership with England Rugby League means we can further boost the work we do in communities across the country to make a lasting difference.”

Rhodri Jones, Managing Director of RL Commercial, said: “E.ON’s commitment to communities is a perfect fit for Rugby League, and we’re thrilled that the partnership will involve unforgettable opportunities for youngsters from our community clubs to be mascots for the England team at each of the three Tests.”

Whether it’s creating cleaner, greener homes or celebrating the grassroots game, E.ON and England Rugby League share one vision: that real change begins close to home.