Premiership Rugby Clubs To Help Dish Out Healthy Lifestyle Advice To Families

Posted on Jan 6, 2011 in Rugby News

Hundreds of families across the UK will receive free healthy lifestyle advice and support as a result of an exciting new partnership between the Premiership Rugby clubs and MEND (Mind, Exercise, Nutrition…Do it!).

Devised by child health experts at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, MEND is the biggest provider of free after-school healthy lifestyle clubs, helping over 20,000 families to become fitter, healthier and happier.

Community teams at the Premiership Rugby clubs will deliver the fun exercise and nutrition courses from January 2011 onwards with the aim of highlighting the benefits of healthy living across their local communities.

The healthy living courses aim to get the whole family involved in helping children to change their eating and exercise habits, while learning about nutrition, and with a view to improving overall health, fitness and wellbeing for years to come.

The partnership is on the back of the success of MEND’s existing relationship with Northampton Saints, where children celebrated their achievements in the MEND Programme by taking part in a match day guard of honour on the pitch and becoming a member of furry mascot Bernie’s Gang.

Wayne Morris, Head of Community at Premiership Rugby, said “Our clubs are ideally placed to deliver the MEND healthy lifestyle courses to help families to achieve a balance in their exercise and nutrition. Professional rugby players have plenty of experience and expertise in getting that balance right and are keen to share the message to those they can help in their local communities.”

Phil Veasey, Strategic Partnership Director at MEND, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Premiership Rugby to deliver our free healthy lifestyle clubs for families.  The MEND Programme is all about families getting active and having fun together.  Having rugby clubs deliver the programme is a great way to inspire children to get active and take part in sport in their community.”

Parents or carers who think their child is above a healthy weight and would like to register for the MEND Programme can call 0800 230 0263, go to mendcentral.org or speak to their local Premiership Rugby club’s community department. 

Good news on Ben Lewis’s neck injury

Posted on Sep 29, 2010 in Ospreys, Welsh Rugby

The Ospreys are pleased to be able to confirm that Ben Lewis has been discharged from Morriston Hospital in Swansea after sustaining a neck injury during Saturday’s win over Aironi at the Liberty Stadium.

Head Physio Chris Towers explained:

“I’m pleased to be able to say that it’s good news regarding Ben’s recovery.

“After being admitted to Morriston Hospital on Saturday night and undergoing tests and examination, Ben has now been discharged from hospital, and fortunately, has no lasting damage from the neck injury sustained.

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Evans and Paterson in “Good Spirits”

Posted on Feb 16, 2010 in Rugby News

The injured Scotland players Thom Evans and Chris Paterson are continuing today to recover from the injuries they sustained in the RBS 6 Nations Championship match against Wales last weekend.

The pair remain in University Hospital Cardiff and both are described as being in “good spirits” by medical staff.

Scotland team doctor James Robson said: “Thom has been heartened by the many messages of support he has received from around the world.

“The surgeons are delighted with his progress. Thom and his mum met with the surgeons last night and Thom has opted to undergo a further procedure later this week, which will enhance the surgery that has already taken place and provide further stabilisation to his neck.

“This procedure is optional and Thom could have decided to have it done at a later point, or not at all. He’s decided to go ahead now and that should help with the whole recovery process.
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Leinster announces charities

Posted on Sep 23, 2009 in Rugby News

In addition to Leinster’s long-standing association with both Action Breast Cancer and ‘Welcome Home’, the Irish Heart Foundation and Temple Street Children’s Hospital will also benefit from support this season through the likes of themed events, complimentary tickets, support of fundraisers, provision of signed merchandise and by helping to raise awareness and support amongst Leinster supporters.

Many of the current squad have signed up to add their backing at ambassadorial level for each of the four charities and are looking forward to showing their support over the course of the coming season.

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