Credit: Paul Doran
“The Bach take on LooseHeadz Barbarians to raise awareness of mental health stigma.” – Rhys Fullerton writes for So Cheshire on behalf of Sandbach RUFC
On Saturday, Sandbach Rugby’s social team – made up of players who will represent the 3rd XV and the 4th XV – welcomed the LooseHeadz Barbarians to Bradwall Road.
This wasn’t an ordinary pre-season friendly match. LooseHeadz is a charity, which aims to place a mental health lead in every rugby club around the world.
It is games like this that help to raise awareness of their mission to tackle the stigma of mental health and get the rugby community talking about it.
LooseHeadz is currently working with around 1,000 rugby clubs in 20 different countries, as well as Premiership Rugby, English Rugby and Welsh Rugby – and Major League Rugby in North America.
This summer LooseHeadz took to the road with their Barbarians team and the latest stop was Sandbach.
Saturday’s match was also an opportunity for Sandbach to debut their new 3rd XV home shirt, which proudly displays the LooseHeadz logo.
Credit: Paul Doran
Despite the friendly nature and positive atmosphere, both teams were keen to make their mark and there were plenty of big hits and impressive rugby on display.
Sandbach dominated the first half but once the Barbarians got on the score sheet, they were keen for more. In the second half, the Bach kept their lead with the match ending 38-24.
The match had a significant importance for player Mike Grapes, who also arranged the fixture.
“It was incredible to witness the support for this game, as over seventy senior players laced up their boots to participate,” he said.
“The unity and dedication shown by the rugby community in bringing attention to mental health is truly inspiring.
“This initiative holds a special place in my heart, as it stemmed from the tragic loss of my younger brother to suicide at the age of twenty-seven.”
Credit: Paul Doran
He added: “Looking at the age demographic at the club, it was clear that this cause resonated deeply with many.
“Building on this momentum, plans are already in motion for next year’s match against LooseHeadz Barbarians for the Bradley Peace Memorial Cup.”
With the help of Saturday’s fixture and the LooseHeadz logo displayed on the new 3rd XV shirt, Sandbach Rugby, alongside LooseHeadz, are helping to tackle the stigma and the whole rugby community can get behind its positive message.
For more information on LooseHeadz, visit www.looseheadz.co.uk
Credit: Paul Doran
1st XV rugby
As rugby returns to Bradwall Road, next Saturday will see the 1st XV team take on Bromsgrove in their final pre-season friendly.
The Bach will be looking to fine tune what they’ve been working on throughout the summer as a fast start will be required when league rugby commences.
“We are very much looking forward to Bromsgrove visiting this weekend for our final pre-season friendly and also having the opportunity to reconnect with old friends at their club,” commented director of rugby Andrew Bird.
“We are hoping for strong support on the sidelines, and we’ll be stepping up the intensity in training sessions as we get closer to the start of the new season.”
