Huddersfield Giants’ first team and Academy players have given the sport’s official charity, Rugby League Cares, an overwhelming show of support by signing up as members.
The players signed up after receiving a presentation on the extensive and important work of the charity from RL Cares Operations Manager Katie Irwin.
Their support also follows on from the assistance provided by the RFL Benevolent Fund to the family of Ronan Costello, the Giants Academy player who sadly passed away after being injured in a tackle against Salford Red Devils in June.
Huddersfield Giants Player Welfare Manager Andy Jordan said: “All the boys were broadly aware of Rugby League Cares but after hearing full details of the charity’s role from Katie they were blown away by the breadth of work it does.
“There was a genuine enthusiasm to become members from the whole squad and recognition of how important it is as Rugby League players for them to support RL Cares.”
The Giants players are the latest to join RL Cares following on from St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, Warrington Wolves, Widnes Vikings, Hull FC, Rochdale Hornets and Sheffield Eagles.
Rugby League Cares General Manager Chris Rostron said: “It is fantastic to see the players at Huddersfield Giants come on board and support the work we do.
“RL Cares is very much the players’ charity: we assist the sport’s most important stakeholders in times of hardship and distress, as well as supporting them with their transition from the sport when they retire and forge successful new careers.
“We are also leading the campaign for a National Rugby League Museum that will be the focus of our heritage work, and are continuing to nurture the sport’s grassroots by awarding grants to community clubs to allow them to form new junior teams.
“Through the RFL Benevolent Fund, the game has supported Matt King, Lizzie Jones and the family of Ronan Costello in their desperate time of need. Tragedy strikes rarely in sport but when it does we are here to act as a focal point as the game comes together to help.
“We can only do these things with the support we receive from the wider Rugby League family, and it is always a pleasure to welcome new members to Rugby League Cares.”
Membership of Rugby League Cares costs just £20 per year or £2 per month. For more information about the charity and its work, or details of how to become a member, please visit www.rugbyleaguecares.org
