‘It’s Good To Raise Awareness So People Feel Comfortable Talking’

As the countdown to their debut appearance as a core team on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series continues, the Ireland Men’s Sevens squad have come together to take part in the annual ‘Movember’ campaign, which aims to change the face of men’s health.

Led by captain Billy Dardis and with assistance from Rugby Players Ireland, members of the team, who are in Spain this weekend for the annual Elche 7s tournament, are hoping to raise awareness and funds over the course of the month as the Movember campaign bids to reduce the rate of male suicide by 25% by 2030.

Already the players have collectively raised €1,250 through online donations and they are hoping the campaign gathers pace as the first event of the 2020 World Series season in Dubai edges ever closer.

“Coming from a rugby background, it’s expected everyone is really macho and big but we want to try and build an awareness around mental health,” said Dardis. “It’s great we can get involved and raise as much money as we can.”

Bryan Mollen, Iwan Hughes and Adam Leavy are also among those taking part, with Hughes commenting: “It’s not something that everyone chooses to talk about. Some people find it hard to talk about mental health.

“And, as a squad, it’s something we could maybe improve on. It’s definitely good to raise awareness so people feel comfortable talking about it.”

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