Bringing together one of the world’s most competitive sports leagues and one of the UK’s leading mental health charities, the partnership aims to tackle the root causes of poor mental health, raise vital funds, and use the power of rugby to create meaningful connections and conversations across the country.
The collaboration launches at a time when mental health challenges are affecting millions. New polling from YouGov, commissioned by Mental Health UK and PREM Rugby, shows 45% of UK adults report that they’ve struggled with their mental health in the last five years, affecting their lives at home, school or work. Alarmingly, only 1 in 4 UK adults say they feel equipped to handle life’s challenges. By combining Mental Health UK’s expertise with PREM Rugby’s platform and reach, the initiative will deliver targeted support and resources to raise awareness, build connections, and improve mental health outcomes.
The polling highlights that watching sport helps rugby fans feel connected to other people, with 21% of rugby fans agreeing with this statement compared to 12% of UK adults. Rugby fans are also more confident in supporting others with their mental health (29% of rugby fans compared to 25% of UK adults).
Nationwide, the polling shows that the picture is stark among 18–24-year-olds: half said they’ve struggled with their mental health in the last five years, and just 16% said they felt equipped to handle life’s challenges. One in four of these young people said they don’t always know where to turn when struggling with their mental health, and 43% said they often keep their feelings to themselves.
However, this age group also sees the potential of sport as part of the solution. Nearly 4 in 10 (39%) said they would like to be more active to support their wellbeing, and they were the most likely to say that taking part in sport or physical activity helps them feel more connected to others (23%).
Overall, just one third of adults agreed that they can access the support they need for their mental health to help them be the best version of themselves.
By joining forces, PREM Rugby and Mental Health UK are committed to empowering young people in rugby communities with the tools they need to enhance their mental health and wellbeing. The partnership also aims to raise vital funds to expand access to Mental Health UK’s programmes that offer invaluable support to young people.
Simon Massie-Taylor, Chief Executive of PREM Rugby, said:
“We are proud to welcome Mental Health UK as the league’s first official charity partner. Rugby players are often considered brave, but through this collaboration, we aim to redefine what we mean by bravery – encouraging all individuals to embrace their brave, bold, and determined selves.
“This partnership comes at an exciting time for the new-look Gallagher PREM and is a cornerstone of our diversity, inclusion, and growth strategy for the years ahead.
“It’s powerful to see that rugby fans are nearly twice as likely to say that watching sport helps them feel connected to others – a clear reminder of how sport can positively influence mental health. With young people being a vital focus for us at PREM Rugby, knowing that 39% of this group view sport as part of the solution to mental health challenges further reinforces the importance and potential of this ground-breaking partnership.”
Brian Dow, Chief Executive of Mental Health UK, added:
“We are so proud and excited to launch this partnership. In PREM Rugby, we have a partner that shares our goal of giving people the tools to live well and to their full potential. We know that rugby can be a force for good, and want to show that seeing the players be bold and brave on the pitch is something that can translate into everyday life, whether it’s sharing your struggles and asking for support, seeking help to address a mounting pile of debt, or stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve a major goal in life.”
The partnership’s activity and campaign calendar will begin in October, with a dedicated charity weekend aligned with World Mental Health Day (October 10). The partnership will run through the 2025/26 and 2026/27 seasons, culminating at the Gallagher PREM Final 2027.
Find out what the Sale Sharks Foundation is doing to tackle challenges around mental health in the North West here: https://www.salesharks.com/diversity-equality-inclusion/
