A RUGBY player is successfully tackling a challenge to play for 12 different rugby teams for charity, before he hangs up his boots.
Old Leamingtonians player Jason Ashley is completing his 12 Club Rugby Challenge to raise some £4,000 for children’s charities chosen by the teams.
And seven games in, he is well on target, having raised over £2,600 for four different charities including baby hospice Zoë’s Place, in Coventry and national charity Meningitis Now.
The 49-year-old said so far every club had embraced the challenge and – despite a black eye and broken thumb -all games were played in good spirit.
He added: “What makes it worthwhile is the reaction that this challenge is getting from everyone it touches.
“I have been very humbled by the support shown to the 12 Club Rugby Challenge which has just been incredible and I thank them all.”
After three decades playing the sport, the dad-of-one will pull on his boots for the final time shortly before his 50th birthday in March.
And Jason – who is a managing director for Pluvius Ltd which supplies kit and equipment to sports clubs – hoped his last games would create a long-time link between rugby clubs and local charities.
The prop forward will play his final game alongside the aptly named ‘Tired Old Tigers’ – which is an invitational team – against Old Leamingtonians.
He planned to invite players from the clubs supporting his challenge, as well as rugby chums he has made over the years.
Jason’s next game is with Minehead against his own team – Old Leamingtonians.
Search ’12 Club Rugby Challenge’ on Facebook for more details.
