Rugby is not just support for your team mates on the pitch but just as much off it even after your playing days are well and truly behind you.

In a few days time (May 10/11) Winchester RFC is truly represented in an ambitious charity fundraiser titled “The Long Run.” 

Eight intrepid ex professional rugby stars will be running from Gloucester RFC to Northampton RFC, three marathons back to back over 24 hours, before the premiership clash between the two clubs.

Two of the runners are Winchester RFC past players Budge Pountney who went on to play for Northampton and captained Scotland in the 90’s and Luke Ryan who played for Richmond. Club president, Rob Sanderson is one of the three support cyclists and club members Mark and Alison Vickers are back up support with their motor home.

The event is in support of Scottish rugby legends Doddie Weir and Tom Smith together with ex Gloucester player Ed Slater to raise awareness and funds for MND and colon cancer.

Other runners are ex Scotland international Stu Reid, ex Northampton Saints Jon Phillips, Mark Soden, Brett Sturgess, British Lion Allan Bateman and the mastermind behind the event Stuart Thom ambassador for the MyNamesDoddie Foundation.

This latest fantastic effort will no doubt top up the funds already raised for mostly local and some national charities in the 2023/24 season, a staggering £16,000 to date. 

For more details, visit donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/the-long-run.