England’s Royal Polo Team Returns to Oak Brook for Butler International & Prince of Wales Cup

England’s Centtrip Wales Polo Team (aka Royal Polo Team), returns to Oak Brook to compete for the prestigiousButler International & Prince of Wales Cup on Sunday, September 9^th at 3:00 p.m. at the Prince of Wales Field.  Spectators are invited to don their ‘British best’ as both teams face off in a 12-goal, four chukker, historic international championshipmatch.

Oak Brook Polo Club has a long history of hosting teams from other countries and is honored to have the Wales team return.  TheButler International & Prince of Wales Cup was inaugurated in 1986 when the England Team, captained by Prince Charles, played against Oak Brook. It was Michael Butler who invited the Prince to play, which turned into a four-day visit to Chicago and Boston. A 4-goal polo player at the time, Prince Charles would play his premier U.S. appearance with a British team at Oak Brook.

“We are thrilled to have the Wales Team return to Oak Brook for a 2^nd straight year,” explains Jim Drury. “The old days of Oak Brook Polo have re-emerged and re-establishedthe club as a plant for international polo competition.”

Today, HRH The Prince of Wales serves as patron of the Wales Polo Team and sons Prince William and Harry have also played on the team. The match will be captained by Ricky Cooper(Hcap-0), and includes Pete Webb (Hcap-5), Niall Donnelly (Hcap-4) and Roderick Matthews (Hcap-3).Oak Brook is led by team patron and captain Jim Drury and includes Horacio Onetto (Hcap-4), Tomas “Toto” Obregon (Hcap-4) and Mariano Gutierrez (Hcap-4).

“Myself and Prince Charles are thrilled to see this relationship and friendly match re-emerge to become an annual fixture on the Team’s calendar,” explains Cooper.  “Last year’s visit was a memorable experienceand we’re honored to be invited back for a rematch for the coveted Butler International Cup.  We have put together a competitive team to provide a challenge in this year’s match-up."

Match and International Polo Series sponsors include Merrill Lynch, Land Rover Hinsdale, Make It Better, Centtrip, New Castle, Heineken, and The Hyatt Lodge at McDonald’s Campus.

Oak Brook Polo Club’s “International Polo Series” also featured matches with teams from Jamaica, India, Mexico and Great Britain.

Immediately following the match, there will be a post-match party and meet greet with the Oak Brook and Wales Polo Teams at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse Oak Brook located at 2105 Spring Rd., Oak Brook, IL 60523. Gibsonswill run a shuttle to/from the restaurant prior to and following the polo match for anyone interested in attending.

2018 marks Oak Brook Polo Club's 96th season as one of the nation's oldest polo clubs in operation today and fourth oldest sports property in Chicago. Once considered the “polo capital”of the world Oak Brook was the destination for American Polo players and enthusiasts.   

Oak Brook Polo Club is located at 2606 York Road, seventeen miles from downtown Chicago. A variety of ticket options are available at www.oakbrookpoloclub.com. For general information, event scheduling, and parking directions, please call 630.368.5095.