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Rugby League World Cup

Robbie Hunter-Paul appointed as RLWC2021 Mental Fitness Ambassador

Published by RLWC
09 Oct 2020

New Zealand legend Robbie Hunter-Paul joins up with Rugby League World Cup 2021 (RLWC2021) to become the tournament’s official mental fitness ambassador.

The Tokoroa born star represented New Zealand between 1997-2006 making 33 appearances during that period. Hunter-Paul played in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup where he helped New Zealand make the final at Old Trafford, Manchester.

In the role of RLWC2021 official mental fitness ambassador the former Bradford Bulls player will find himself playing a key role in delivering at another World Cup, this time off the pitch.

Hunter-Paul will be involved with widening the impact and awareness of RLWC2021's mental fitness charter as well as using his own experiences in the professional game to help others.

He will also be supporting the delivery of the ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme, which is focused on improving youth mental fitness through community sport.

The ‘Ahead of the Game’ initiative is an existing programme developed by men's mental health experts Movember that will be delivered in partnership with Rugby League Cares specifically for RLWC2021. The first sessions began in October and the programme aims to reach 8,000 young athletes, 8,000 parents and 360 coaches, with the aim of improving mental resilience in adolescent athletes and raising mental fitness literacy and awareness among players, families and coaches. 

Hunter-Paul is a familiar face to both Movember and Rugby League Cares and will bring a wealth of knowledge from the existing work he has undertaken throughout his career in Rugby League. Hunter- Paul has worked closely with Rugby League Cares specifically on a number of impactful mental fitness programmes including the Offload Programme, Back Onside, All Onside.

RLWC2021 CEO Jon Dutton, said: “Today is World Mental Health Day and the theme for this year’s campaign is ‘mental health for all’ and I can’t think of anyone better to champion our mental fitness charter and take the brilliant work of our partners Movember and Rugby League Cares to the masses than Robbie Hunter-Paul.”

“Robbie is an outstanding professional who was at the pinnacle of the sport for many years. To be able to bring that experience and knowledge into the organisation as an ambassador is truly unique and we are delighted to have him on board.”

Robbie Hunter-Paul, added: “What an incredible honour it is to be asked to be ambassador for such an important role for the RLWC2021.”

“This role is so important to me for the soul reason that Rugby League communities have some of the worst statistics and suicide rates in the nation, much higher than national averages and as a ‘family’ we all have the responsibility to reverse this trend.”

“I have Rugby League Cares to thank as their support has provided me with in person training in both mental fitness first aid and suicide prevention.”

“We are currently living through one of the most challenging periods the planets ever seen, so it’s never been more important to take care of ourselves and those around us.”

 

For more information on the ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme visit: aheadofthegame.uk/

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