Last week Rob Shotton, Co-founder of LooseHeadz, cycled to 56 clubs in London, covering more than 270km whilst towing a water butt. 

The water butt represented the weight so many in our game carry alone, and struggle to offload. At every club, Rob was helped to pour a little out.

We’re so grateful for every donation, if you wish to donate you still can. 

Rob reflected on his cycling challenge: “Over six days, I visited 56 rugby clubs across London, and every single one reminded me why rugby is so special.

Rugby isn’t just a game; it’s a community. Behind every clubhouse door are people looking out for each other, supporting each other, and creating a place where people belong.

The challenge may have been about cycling, but it became something much bigger. Everywhere I went, people gave up their time in the middle of their working week to come and support me, share their stories, ride alongside me and, most importantly, remind me what the rugby family is all about.

“If this challenge can encourage someone to offload a bit of the weight they’re carrying, speak when they’re struggling, or reach out to the people around them, then every hill, especially those around Hampstead and Blackheath, the sore hamstrings and every mile towing that water butt around London was well worth it.

Last week showed me the very best of rugby. Not necessarily what happens on the pitch, but what happens around it. The people, the friendships, the support, and the sense of belonging.

That’s exactly why LooseHeadz exists, and why we’re on a mission to place a mental health champion at every rugby club in the world.”

If you are interested in partnering with LooseHeadz to receive FREE mental health access for your club, you can read more about our Partnership Programme here.

The week would not have been possible without Rob’s support team, from those cycling alongside him to those driving in style in the LooseHeadz JAECOO to ensure the week ran smoothly:
John Shotton
Ben Watford
Tayo Akinbiyi
Danté Kim
Ollie Craig
Rachael Risdale
Stu Baker – special shout out to Stu for helping to plan the route too! And ensuring Rob covered more miles to ride past Big Ben!
Gareth Vaughan Jones
Toby Pittaway
Scottie Cohen – going above and beyond for the cause, donating his bike to Mark when his gave up and jumping on the bus home to ensure Mark could carry on the bike ride with Rob.
Mark Shotton
Sharon Shotton
Caileigh Fourie

And one man was there for every try, every water pour and all of Rob’s highs and lows. Thank you to Glyn Roberts for capturing every moment.

Additionally, thank you to our partners for their support and backing the LooseHeadz mission:
JAECOO
NOCCO
The Alma
Velaforte
Scimitar Sportswear
Specialized

And lastly, thank you to the 56 clubs for welcoming Rob, helping to score a try, and offloading some water to help share the load:
London Cornish RFC
Wimbledon RFC
Old Wimbledonians RFC
Surbiton Decca RFC
Sutton & Epsom RFC
Old Ruts RFC
Merton RFC
Mitcham & Carshalton RFC
London Stags RFC
Streatham-Croydon RFC
Beckenham RFC
Beccehamian RFC
Bromley RFC
Greenwich RFC
Blackheath RFC
HAC RFC
Belsize Park RFC
Hendon RFC
Saracens
Mill Hill RFC
Finchley RFC
Old Streetonians
Hackney RFC
Eton Manor RFC
Barking RFC
East London RFC
Kings Cross Steelers RFC
Millwall RFC
GKT RFC
Old Alleynians RFC
King’s College Hospital RFC
Clapham Falcons
Battersea Ironsides RFC
Bec Old Boys RFC
London Media RFC
Hammersmith & Fulham RFC
Barnes RFC
Rosslyn Park FC
Chiswick RFC
Actonians RFC
Wasps FC
Ealing Trailfinders
Grasshoppers RFC
Old Isleworthians RFC
London Welsh RFC
London Scottish RFC
Richmond RFC
Teddington RFC
Old Hamptonians RFC
Feltham RFC
Staines RFC
London Irish
Esher RFC
Wandsworthians RFC
Harlequins
Red Roses