Some of the biggest names in Rugby League are to spearhead a drive for better mental health and against loneliness and isolation, thanks to a new pilot scheme funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. 

The charity Rugby League Cares will receive £330,000 to run a pilot scheme in Wigan and Wakefield that will teach life skills and convey the message that toxic online cultures are no substitute for positive in-person experiences.

Rugby League legends Keith Senior and Adrian Morley are among a group of former players leading pilot programmes across the two regions. They will kickstart honest conversations about male mental health and help young men build confidence and resilience, so they are better equipped to cope when life gets tough. 

Since the pandemic, there has been a sharp rise in the number of young men not in employment, education or training, leaving many without regular opportunities to forge friendships and meaningful connections.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:

 “Too many young men today are struggling with loneliness and isolation. We know the devastating consequences this can have, both for their mental health and for our communities. When young people can’t find a sense of belonging where they live, they are vulnerable to finding it in the wrong places.

“Rugby League has always been more than just a sport in towns like Wigan and Wakefield. It is the heartbeat of these communities. By bringing together the legends of the game with the next generation, we are creating spaces where young men can open up, build genuine connections and develop the resilience they need.”

The programme will extend the work already being delivered by Rugby League Cares through the Ahead of the Game programme. Earlier this year it was announced that Movember would be putting £4.2m over three years into this programme, delivered with major 50 sports organisations including Rugby League Cares.  The programme uses rugby to deliver sport-focused mental health training to boys aged 11-18, as well as parents, carers and youth workers.