England Rugby League tackles mental fitness with Movember

England Rugby League has announced a new partnership with men’s health charity Movember.

The new initiative aims to raise vital funds and shine a spotlight on men’s health during the charity’s peak awareness and fundraising period in October and November, which also coincides with England Rugby League’s upcoming three-match Ashes Series against Australia.

Movember, founded in Australia in 2003, has grown into a global movement, funding more than 1,320 men’s health projects across mental health, suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer. Meanwhile the sport of rugby league has previously worked with Movember through the ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme, designed by Movember and delivered in the UK by Rugby League Cares.

This initiative has reached over 30,000 young people annually, equipping players aged 12–18 with tools to recognise and support mental health in themselves and their teammates. This new partnership expands on that success, creating further opportunities to engage rugby league fans and communities in support of Movember’s mission.

Bobby Bahadori, Commercial Director, Rugby League Commercial, said, “This collaboration brings men’s health to the forefront during a landmark Series. Rugby league’s connection with its communities is second to none — and with Movember, we can reach more men, earlier, and support them to lead longer, healthier lives. We look forward to activating this partnership over the coming months, with plenty of opportunities for fans to get involved and make a difference.”

Tracy Herd, Director of Young Men’s Health, Movember, said, “Twenty years ago, when the last Ashes Series took place, Movember was just an idea between two mates. Now, more than two decades later, we’ve built a global movement of over six million people who’ve helped change the face of men’s health. Partnering with England Rugby League during such an iconic Series is a powerful opportunity to drive awareness, spark conversations, and encourage action on mental health. Rugby league has deep roots in communities across the UK, and together we can help more men and boys build mental fitness, seek support when they need it, and lead longer, healthier lives.”

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