A game organised in a memory of a young man who took his own life looks likely to become an annual event. Sandbach Rugby’s social team – made up of players who will represent the 3rd XV and the 4th XV – last week welcomed the LooseHeadz Barbarians to Bradwall Road.
This was not an ordinary pre-season friendly as LooseHeadz is a charity that aims to place a mental health lead in every rugby club around the world.
Games like the one at Sandbach help raise awareness of its mission to tackle the stigma of mental health and to get the rugby community talking about it.
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.
He said: “It was incredible to witness the support for this game, as more than 70 senior players laced up their boots to participate.
“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 27.”
LooseHeadz works with around a thousand rugby clubs in 20 different countries, as well as Premiership Rugby, English Rugby, Welsh Rugby and Major League Rugby in North America. This summer LooseHeadz has taken its mission on the road with its 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 displays the LooseHeadz logo.
Mr Grapes 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.”
Director of rugby at the club, Andrew Bird, said: “We were delighted to support Mike and host LooseHeadz, as well as share in their mission. We were also pleased to provide playing club members at all levels with an opportunity to play pre-season rugby ahead of the new season.
“With the help of Saturday’s fixture and the LooseHeadz logo displayed on the new 3rd XV shirt, Sandbach Rugby Club, 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 looseheadz.co.uk.
• For practical suicide prevention help and advice, contact the Papyrus Hopeline UK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039 967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. For help at times of mental crisis, call SANEline, 4.30pm to 10.30pm daily on 0300 304 7000. Mind offers free counselling, anger management, befriending and parent support, 01782 262 100 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm). Out of hours mental health support is available in East Cheshire on 01625 505666. The Access Team is the single point of contact 24/7 for Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire, for Mental health assessments, crisis support, telephone contact or face-to-face support: call 0300 123 0907 (option one) or 07739 775202 if this number is unavailable.
To contact the Samaritans, call freephone 116 123.
(Photo: Paul Doran).
