A GATHERING which brings top rugby union personalities to York has raised more than £60,000 for charity this year.

Thomas Castaignède regaled a sell-out audience in York Racecourse's Knavesmire Stand with tales of his battles with England as a stalwart of the French national side when he was the star turn at the York Sportsman's Lunch.

The event, organised by city firm Sporting Connexions, has seen legends of the 15-man game such as Martin Johnson, Francois Pienaar and David Campese address the event and the former Toulouse, Castres and Saracens back, who earned 54 caps for his country in a 13-year playing career, was the latest to join their number.

Sponsored by city development firm Grantside, The British Legion, the Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Fund and the Sports Development Foundation were among the beneficiaries of the charity windfall.

An auction also raised a significant sum for a local cricketer who had suffered a serious injury and table hosts were asked to name a charity, three of which were chosen to receive a £4,000 donation. York Sands, Sarcoma UK and the British Thyroid Foundation were the lucky recipients.

Businessman Mark Pepper, joint-founder of Sporting Connexions with Nick Elliot, said: "It was just a wonderful atmosphere. The 67 tables are generously supported by the same hosts every year and it was almost like an annual reunion of 670 friends.

"I think it is a huge sum to raise and I think it is testament to the rugby world and its spirit. Through the great generosity of Grantside, a raffle and three very generous auction items, it was a tremendous amount of money.

"Thomas was very funny. He has got a huge rugby brain, is a gentleman and talks a lot of sense. We had a super response from a knowledgeable rugby crowd. It was great to see that the emotions and passions are just the same depending on whichever team you are in - whether you are France, South African or whatever.

"One of the things we did share was respective frustrations with our national team."