A host of former international rugby stars including England’s Matt Stevens, David Strettle, Iain Balshaw, Danny Grewcock, Mark Cueto and Ugo Monye will take part in an all-star game at Allianz Park on Friday 30th June (8.15pm) in support of Restart Rugby, the official charity of the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA).
Organised by Matt Stevens and David Strettle, the Worldwide Currencies Cup game will raise vital funds for Restart Rugby and awareness for the #LiftTheWeight mental health campaign.
Admission starts at £17.50 for adults (£10 under 16s) with hospitality packages and VIP pitchside cabanas available. For details go to sevensandthecity.com
A side captained by Saracens’ scrum half Neil de Kock will take on a #LiftTheWeight XV with players from England, Australia, South Africa and Wales joining the ranks, including Justin Harrison, Michael Owen, and John Smit. The full list of players confirmed so far is below
Launched in February, #LiftTheWeight aims to remove the stigma surrounding mental health issues and provide support for rugby players suffering from conditions like depression and anxiety.
Players across the Aviva Premiership will get that message across this month at the Restart Rugby Weekend (28th-30th April).
BREAKING NEWS | Round 21 of @premrugby will be dedicated to @RestartRugby & the #LiftTheWeight campaign.
Full story: https://t.co/8qT6IaFFxl pic.twitter.com/yCvjtm37Rc— Restart Rugby (@RestartRugby) April 18, 2017
“One in four people in the UK will be affected by mental health issues this year and sportsmen and women are no different,” said Stevens, the former Bath, Saracens, England and British & Irish Lions player.
“Many will suffer with these problems during and after their careers and Restart Rugby’s #LiftTheWeight campaign gives invaluable support and encouragement to players to access expertise and share the burden.
“We’ve been delighted by how many players want to take part and that’s a reflection of how important this cause and campaign is to them.
“There are some superstar players on show with the likes of Iain Balshaw, Mark Cueto and Ugo Monye all tearing it up. It’ll be a great evening’s entertainment.”
Both teams will wear exclusive #LiftTheWeight playing kit designed and created by Oddballs.