Shorts: Declan Rice, Gloucester Rugby, Push

West Ham and England footballer Declan Rice has joined suicide prevention organisation Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) as its newest ambassador.

The midfielder, who is set to star with the Three Lions in his first World Cup this November, has joined CALM’s ranks to raise awareness and challenge the stigma around mental health and suicide.

Rice commented, “I’m here to really use my voice. No one deserves to go through mental health struggles alone.  No one should have to put on a front and look happy but not feel that way inside. People deserve to be happy within themselves and talk to get the help they need. 

Speaking out is the most important thing. Bottling up just makes things worse. That’s why working with CALM is key. When you have a conversation, you feel so much better, you can hold your head higher and feel lighter.”

Gallagher Premiership rugby union club Gloucester Rugby has announced the extension of its partnership with UK-based accountants and business advisers Hazlewoods.

Hazlewoods, which is based locally in Gloucester, will also remain the sponsor of Gloucester Rugby centre Billy Twelvetrees.

Gloucester Rugby Sales Director, Huw Warren, commented, “We’re delighted to extend our strong partnership with Hazlewoods. 

“Working closely with successful local organisations is integral to the identity of Gloucester Rugby, our partnership with Hazlewoods is a perfect example of this. 

“Hazlewoods provides the club with high-quality services and I am confident our partnership will continue to flourish.” 

UK-based sportswear brand Kukri Sports has announced its return as the Hong Kong Sevens’ official sponsor and merchandise supplier after the tournament’s three-year hiatus.

The brand will continue its 17th year of sponsorship of the premier rugby event, which is considered premier tournament on the World Rugby Sevens Series competition.

In addition to supplying the official merchandise range, Kukri Sports will be the official supplier to the Hong Kong Rugby Union men’s, women’s, and national age grade teams.

Karl Middleton, Kukri Sports Marketing Manager, said, “We are delighted to continue our supplier sponsorship of the Hong Kong Sevens. The tournament is watched by thousands of people all around the world, and we are thrilled to be supplying some of the world’s best players on rugby’s biggest stage.”

London-based digital creative agency PUSH has announced the appointments of Koby Geddes as Head of Creative Strategy, Harry Macey as Commercial Director Sport & Entertainment and Joe Noone as Commercial Director, Gaming. 

Experienced content and digital marketeer Koby joins PUSH from CSM Sport & Entertainment, where he held the position of Senior Content Director. Prior to his position at CSM Sport & Entertainment, Koby spent two years at Premier League football club West Ham United, heading up the digital and content team.

Harry Macey joins from cloud data-display platform Dizplai, where as Commercial Director he lead all global new business. Prior to this position, Macey spent over four years at Grabyo, rising to the position of Head of Sales EMEA, working with the likes of Sky Sports, Formula 1, Real Madrid, and the FA. 

Noone will work across both PUSH and its sister agency ADVNCR. Noone joins from gaming-focused creative agency Project N where he was Business Development Director, leading acquisition of all new business across video, editorial, social media and web development.