LooseHeadz has launched a new initiative to improve mental health support in rugby, with backing from Capgemini and Onebright.
The initiative has built on LooseHeadz’s work since its establishment in 2017, when the charity was founded at Wilmslow Rugby Club.
The programme has been designed to address key challenges in mental health support within rugby clubs, focusing on connection, education, and professional assistance.
Capgemini has supported the development of a digital platform that will connect rugby clubs globally, offering mental health toolkits, simplifying sign-ups, and centralising access to resources.
In addition, LooseHeadz has introduced a new qualification and training system tailored to rugby clubs, aiming to address gaps in traditional mental health first aid courses by aligning content with rugby-specific scenarios.
Onebright has collaborated with LooseHeadz to pilot a clinical support system at three amateur rugby clubs in the UK. This programme has provided immediate access to professional mental health support, removing barriers such as long waiting times and high costs.
Rob Shotton, Co-Founder at LooseHeadz said, “This is an incredibly exciting extension of our support for rugby clubs around the world.
“Not only will it enhance our focus on prevention around mental health, giving our mental health leads extra training & support, but it also ensures that we have a robust solution to support those who may slip through the cracks.“
Former UK Sport Deputy Director Jess Whitehorn has joined Run Communications as Associate Director, bringing 17 years of experience with the high-performance sports body.
Whitehorn will support Run Communications as it expands its impact within the Olympic and Paralympic sectors, develops positive social outcomes through major event legacies, and drives projects at the grassroots and community levels.
Run Communications works with a range of clients, including The National Lottery, parkrun, UK Coaching, Swim England, and British Triathlon. Last year, the agency launched Run X, a dedicated women’s sports practice led by Kelly Simmons OBE.
Jess Whitehorn said, “I’m thrilled to join the brilliant team at Run Communications and continue the fantastic relationship we developed during my time at UK Sport.
“Run are longstanding and powerful advocates for the power of sport and physical activity to create a happier, healthier nation, and I look forward to working with our clients and exploring new opportunities to collectively achieve this mission.”
Arsenal have been encouraged to end their sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in the country.
The appeal follows the capture of Goma by M23 rebels and the displacement of over 400,000 people in eastern DR Congo this year.
DR Congo’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, wrote, “It is time Arsenal ended its blood-stained sponsorship deals with this oppressor nation. If not for your own consciences, then the clubs should do it for the victims of Rwandan aggression.”
Rwanda’s government has faced accusations of using sports sponsorships to improve its global image.
Rwanda has been involved with Arsenal since 2018 through a sleeve partnership, with the latest sponsorship reported to be worth more than £10m per year.
LiveScore has appointed former Premier League footballer Dimitar Berbatov as its official European brand ambassador for LiveScore Media and LiveScore Bet.
This partnership spans across Europe and will see Berbatov contribute to content creation, media appearances, and campaign efforts for the LiveScore Group, enhancing the brand’s connection with football fans.
Berbatov recently served as the ambassador for LiveScore’s ‘Extra, Added Time’ campaign, encouraging fans to take additional time for their mental health.
As part of this initiative, LiveScore donated £250 to charity for every key Premier League moment delivered via its app after the 90th minute during November.
Sid Lee London has appointed Camilla Masiero as Design Lead to support its growing client base and expand the agency’s creative capabilities.
Masiero has taken responsibility for Sid Lee London’s design output across clients including UEFA, Lidl, and Visa.
She has joined from We Are Social Sport, where she spent nearly four years creating digital and print assets for global campaigns involving adidas, Coca-Cola, the International Olympic Committee, and Real Madrid.
Her appointment strengthens Sid Lee London’s dedicated sports team as the agency expands its presence in the UK market.
Camilla Masiero said, “I’m thrilled to join at a time when the agency has secured some major new business wins, in addition to an already impressive client roster. I’m excited to build on the agency’s legacy for industry-leading design capabilities.”
Red Bull Hardline will return to Wales on July 26th-27th for its 11th edition, following its expansion to Australia earlier this year.
In 2024, a second event was introduced in Tasmania, with riders competing on February 7th-8th in dry and dusty conditions before facing the more unpredictable terrain of Wales later in the year.
Reigning Red Bull Hardline champion Rónán Dunne, who won both the Wales and Tasmania events last year, will return to defend his title.
The event will be broadcast live on Red Bull TV.
Rónán Dunne said, “The thought of Red Bull Hardline 2025 is pure excitement for me as it’s my favourite race of the year. I cannot wait to get to the start line. I’m really looking forward to the battle of defending my titles from 2024.
“It’s a real privilege to be going in as the defending champ, and a nice feeling that I’ve got a target on my back. I’m ready to put the work in for the off-season and keep my title in 2025”
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