With 100 days to go until the return of the Ashes Series, Rugby League Commercial is proud to announce an inspiring new partnership with Movember, the world’s leading men’s health charity.
Movember will become the Official Mental Fitness Partner of the England Rugby League team — a timely partnership ahead of their three-match series against Australia in October and November taking place at Wembley Stadium, Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and AMT Headingley Stadium. This period marks a pivotal time of year for Movember, when awareness and fundraising efforts are at their peak. The collaboration will help raise vital funds and shine a spotlight on men’s health during the charity’s most important time of year. It also builds on Rugby League’s ongoing commitment to championing mental fitness, wellbeing, and open conversations around men’s health.
Founded in Australia in 2003, Movember 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.
Rugby League has already seen the impact of working with Movember through the ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme, designed by Movember and delivered in the UK by Rugby League Cares. Aimed at players aged 12–18, the programme has reached over 30,000 young people each year, equipping them with the tools to recognise and support mental health in themselves and their teammates, with outstanding engagement and feedback from clubs and communities. This new partnership builds on that success, creating more incredible opportunities to engage Rugby League fans and communities in support of Movember’s mission.
Bobby Bahadori , Commercial Director at RL 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 at 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.”
To find out more and support the movement, visit Movember's website.
