We’re chuffed to bits to welcome the return of England for an annual Labor Day weekend duel against USA. It was largely the British military credited with exporting the sport of polo ’round the world in the 1800s, and England remains one of the game’s global powerhouses. It was only fitting that England compete as one of the original Polo Series opponents in its inaugural 1992 season, and has thus remained a steady contender, mounting a 28th challenge. The recent record has Team USA tied with the Brits with a 13 goal lead out of the last 19 contests. Returning captain Garrie Renucci is joined by his veteran pro and two returning teammates, with all the insider intel to give USA a major challenge.
Join the players on the eve of the match for a welcoming Sail & Greet, Sept 1, by RSVP, with the teams on a sunset cocktail sail on Narraganset Bay and Newport waters with Newport Classic Cruises at 6:30pm. (Purchase tickets). Witness the action the next day for USA vs. England at 4PM in the Newport International Polo Series, presented by Turkish Airlines, and stay after the match for an apres polo celebration with the teams catered by Newport Chowder Company.
TEAM ENGLAND:
Garrie Renucci is the four-time captain of the English Polo Team and avid sportsman in polo, extreme snowboarding, and a former pro-footballer who enjoys fast cars, motorbikes and his beloved dogs. A relative latecomer to polo, it has become Garrie’s passion, founding the Vendetta Polo Team which competes around the world and provides increased opportunities for young players to join the sport. Garrie is dedicated to philanthropic efforts, including the Love Hope Strength Charity Climb of Mount Everest in 2007, breaking the World Record for the highest concert and album recording on land. In 2016, Garrie raised money for The British Asian Trust by cycling 200km through India’s Rajasthan area, and in 2018 cycled 350km through the African savannah on the western edge of Kilimanjaro. Garrie makes his home in Knightsbridge London where he is a Partner and Board Member of Gardiner & Theobald LLP, specializing in global property development.
Jimmy Wood is an international polo pro, christened into the sport by his father who was Prince Charle’s life-long pro and manager-emeritus of the Royal Guards Polo Club. Jimmy has competed on winning teams in polo’s most prestigious world events, marking his fifth time representing England in the Polo Series.
Andy Cork initiated his family into polo 15 years ago, along with his three sons who then were 7, 9, and 11 years old. Andy has taken his game around the world and will be making his second Polo Series campaign in 2023. To him, it’s all about the horses. When wearing his business trousers, Andy manages Printondemand-worldwide.com, a global leader in on-demand book publishing and lean manufacturing.
Josh Cork is 27 years old and based out of Cowdray Park Polo Club, He has 3 brothers that play along with him and his dad. Josh has represented England 4 times and went to the World Cup in 2017. He normally spends his winter abroad playing in Argentina or New Zealand. This is his first Newport and is really looking forward to it as he’s heard it’s a great experience.
Be on the lookout for the Team England itinerary to see where you can catch up with the players on their Newport Tour, published in our weekly eMagazine. Possibilities are endless to plan your English-themed polo picnic for a chance at Stella Artois Best in Show, from Royal Ascot to the Royal Family, red telephone boxes to red London buses, high tea to bangers and mash. Join the celebrations after the match when the Veuve Clicquot Trophy Presentation will award the winning team, followed by a complimentary toast in the Modern Luxury Lounge where The Cocktail Guru will serve a complimentary libation from the Patio Bar. Cheers!
Newport Polo is the home of the Westchester Polo Club, America’s first polo club, offering exhibition polo and club member services for outdoor & arena polo, and polo instruction. Est. in 1876, founding member of the United States Polo Assoc, host of the Newport International Polo Series.