Nadine Dorries committed an embarrassing gaffe at an event ahead of the Rugby League World Cup, hailing Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic drop goal as ‘special moment’ in the history of the sport.

Wilkinson kicked Sir Clive Woodward’s team to an historic victory against Australia in Sydney nearly 20 years ago, but the legendary fly-half was representing England’s Union side, League’s rival code.

‘I’ve always liked the idea of rugby league,’ Dorries, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said at a press conference on Thursday.

‘My long-standing memory is that 2003 drop goal. I’ll let you into a secret. I think we were drinking Bloody Mary’s at the time.

‘It was 11 o’clock in the morning but wow what a moment that was.’

Dorries was speaking in St Helens at the unveiling of the findings of a report which claims the tournament’s social impact programme is responsible for more than £25million worth of positive change in communities across the north of England.

‘We know that some of the towns and cities that will host Rugby League World Cup 2021 matches are amongst those hardest hit by the pandemic and increases in the cost of living and the Government has backed the tournament with over £15 million investment to bring world-class sport to these communities.

‘The findings of this report highlight the positive impact that the Rugby League World Cup has already had. It is a shining example of a major sporting event that has made a tangible difference to a huge number of people.

‘The findings published in this report today are vindication of the decision taken to prioritise the Social Impact Programme from the very outset.

‘It has been trailblazing in both its inception and delivery, laying the groundwork for future sporting events in this country and beyond to follow in its footsteps.’

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