Wharfedale have attracted a top speaker for their sportsmans’ dinner on Friday, June 17 – former Scottish and British Lions full back Andy Irvine.

The function is even more important this year as the Rugby Football Union have not only cut funding altogether for this tier of the game but also taken away their grants for the club’s Academy.

If the Dalesmen are to continue to take the game into the 54 local schools which they have serviced over the years, they have to replace this grant with their own funds, hence the sportsmans’ dinner being even more vital in 2011.

Irvine, credited as the man who redefined his position on the field as the most potent attacking position in the game, scored 51 tries for Scotland and nine for the Lions, with whom he toured three times.

President of the Scottish Rugby Union in 2005, he will manage the Lions on their next tour – to Australia in 2013.

For the first time, the event will be held in a luxury marquee at the clubhouse, with catering provided by Wharfedale supporter and Cavalry Club member John Rudden of the acclaimed No 5 Grassington House.

The centrepiece of the meal will be his signature dish of local rare-breed pork.

The black-tie event, which starts at 8pm, costs £50 per ticket and, as usual, ladies are most welcome.

Tickets can be obtained from Spencer Davies Solicitors, 6 Station Road, Grassington (01756-753015) or from Stephen Brake, Springfield, Wharfeside Avenue, Threshfield (07738-887813).

Cheques should be made payable to Wharfedale RUFC and sent to either of these addresses.