Newport’s St Joseph’s Hospital was on hand to help at a charity rugby match at the BT Sports Cardiff Arms Park which saw Welsh politicians go head-to-head with the House of Commons & Lords in aid of Bowel Cancer UK.

The hospital supported the match in the form of both a £2,000 donation to Bowel Cancer UK, as well as expert advice from one of its top orthopaedic surgeons Ro Kulkarni, who was on the touchline ready to take care of any casualties.

Mr Kulkarni is well known in the sporting world for providing medical treatment, both in his role at St Joseph’s Hospital and as team doctor to the Newport Gwent Dragons.

The teams contested their ninth annual fixture, with the National Assembly’s team winning by 33-12.

Mr Kulkarni said: “We were delighted to be involved in this highly-anticipated parliamentary showdown, and most importantly to be able to show our support for the great work that Bowel Cancer UK carries out on a daily basis.

“It was such a great day to be a part of, particularly as the hospital itself plays such a vital role in diagnosing and treating bowel cancer patients, so it’s a cause very close to our hearts.”

Assembly Rugby chairman, Andrew RT Davies AM said: “Over the years the team has raised more than £17,000 for Bowel Cancer UK and I am proud to be involved.

“The Assembly team was set up in 2006 by Glyn Davies, who was an AM at the time. Glyn overcame bowel cancer and wanted to raise awareness of the illness and personally demonstrate how survivors could go on to lead a full and active life after being so ill. I think that’s a message we can all support.”