Founded by Mark Pepper, Grosvenor and Nick Elliot, Greene King ,Sporting Connexions hosts high quality lunches for corporate and private clients. Due to their connections in the world of international sport, some of the worlds leading sports personalities appear at the events.  When Sporting Connexions began in 2005, Mark and Nick were approached by Barrie McDermott's Testimonial committee and asked whether they would arrange an event to celebrate his 10 years at Leeds Rhinos. They thought what better way to celebrate than with a 'Long Yorkshire Lunch'! Sean Fitzpatrick very generously agreed to be the first speaker. From the success of the 2005 lunch, the York Sportsman's Lunch was born. This lunch is hosted every year in aid of many beneficiaries at York Racecourse.  Alongside our annual York Sportsman's Lunch we have also hosted a reunion of the 1997 British Lions and a summer lunch with Sir Micheal Parkinson in celebration of Anthony McGrath's testimonial year. To date the following sporting legends have spoken at the events - Sean Fitzpatrick Jonathan Davis Martin Johnson Francois Pienaar David Campese Neil Back Scott Quinnell Lawrence Dallaglio Jason Leonard Brian O'Driscoll Thomas Castaignède Warren Gatland Paul O'Connell