Following the launch of our second-ever Inclusion Round, today sees the return of Tackle The Tough Stuff, Rugby League’s annual opportunity to focus on physical and mental well-being.
Running across the next two rounds of Super League (20 and 21) clubs, players and personalities will join forces with organisations such as Rugby League Cares to highlight some of the most pressing issues surrounding physical and mental health.
Personalities lending their support include Lindsey Burrow, Liam Farrell and Danny Kirmond, with Learning Disability Super League sponsor Community Integrated Care one of a number of organisations helping to spread the message far and wide.
Rhodri Jones, RL Commercial Managing Director, says: “I am delighted to see the game once again getting collectively behind the drive to promote a positive approach to physical and mental health. It’s another opportunity we all have to change lives by raising awareness, sharing experiences and kick-starting conversations on difficult issues.
“And whilst we shine a light on all that work over the next fortnight or so, we shouldn’t forget that for many people – and those working with them – tackling the tough stuff is a challenge every day of the year.”
RL Cares has responsibility for delivering player welfare services to athletes involved in all three professional competitions. This support ranges from crisis intervention and tackling issues such as addiction and poor mental fitness to providing education and training grants to help players prepare for the next stage of their careers post-rugby.
Ground-breaking and celebrated mental fitness programmes from RL Cares have made a massive, positive difference in the lives of tens of thousands of people in recent years. Last year more than 30,000 young people took part in Movember Ahead of the Game, a programme delivered by RL Cares as part of the RLWC2021 Mental Fitness Charter. The programme set out to ensure the stars of tomorrow grow to become as healthy, happy and successful as they can be, both on and off the field.
For more information about the work of RL Cares and the RL Benevolent Fund please visit rugbyleaguecares.org.