As part of the United Rugby Championship’s wider ambition to raise awareness and try destigmatise mental health within the rugby community, URC have collaborated with mental health-focused charity, LooseHeadz.

This weekend (Round 10) the United Rugby Championship are proud to announce the launch of Mental Fitness Month. The URC will help amplify the work carried out by LooseHeadz who look to create safe environments, provide resources and encourage conversations to be had around mental health. Rugby has a unique position with the ability to influence communities and reduce the stigma, bridging the gap and encouraging conversations to be had.

The URC has been working in support of the LooseHeadz mission to turn the tide against poor mental health and continue to help promote tackling difficult conversations.

LooseHeadz Founder Rob Shotton said: “We’re super proud to partner up with the URC for Mental Fitness Month to shine a light on the importance of mental health. January can be tough for a lot of people, so it’s vital that we remind everyone that it’s ok to ask for help and that no one should struggle in silence. Rugby is a special sport, and it has a unique way of bringing people together, and it’s amazing to see The URC using their platform to support the LooseHeadz mission to save lives by placing a mental health lead at every rugby club in the world.

This partnership also means we can reach even more people across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Italy and South Africa. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more connected rugby community.”

Across Round 10, URC Clubs are creating their own mental health orientated campaigns and match-day activations, alongside content specially created by the URC around mental health shared throughout the week. We invite fans at home and in stadium to check-in with those around them, friends and family.