Canterbury supports grass roots rugby stars with SportsAid partnership

Canterbury has revealed plans to support seven of the brightest talents in rugby through a partnership with SportsAid. 

The programme will see Canterbury, who recently kitted out The British & Irish Lions for their tour of South Africa, partner with the UK’s leading youth sport charity to provide young players with vital financial assistance to support their ambitions.  

The players will also receive regular bundles of kit to help them perform at their best on the pitch, as well as having the opportunity to get tips and advice from Canterbury’s ambassador squad, including two-time Lions captain Sam Warburton.  

The partnership is the latest example of Canterbury’s desire to champion and support grassroots rugby across all codes and levels. Canterbury has chosen the athletes because of their aspirations and talent and wants to help these up-and-coming stars reach their full potential. 

The selected athletes include three wheelchair rugby stars, who are playing an integral role in helping to grow the game across the UK, and two young female players; acknowledging the huge growth in women’s rugby, which now represents around 25% of all players. Nine of the 13 players selected to represent Team GB in the women’s sevens at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were also former beneficiaries of the charity’s support.   

Jack Richardson, Vice President at Canterbury, says: “We’re always looking at ways we can support the wider game and rugby community and this partnership with SportsAid gives us the perfect opportunity to do so. We believe in creating a level playing field and helping these talented players, that may not have the same access and opportunities as others within the sport, is a great start.

“This year, our Made From Rugby campaign will help to share the amazing stories of these players, who we believe can really inspire the next generation. We want to give them all the support that we can and our brand ambassadors, who have been there and lived it, will be on-hand share their own experiences and advice.”