Champions Cup and Challenge Cup finals to support Doddie Weir foundation, EPCR announce

Champions Cup and Challenge Cup organisers EPCR have announced that May‘s finals to be held at St James’ Park will be hosted in partnership with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.

The former Newcastle Falcons and Scotland international lock revealed he had been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in June 2017, establishing his foundation soon thereafter with the aim of raising funds to boost research efforts for a cure.

Supported by the rugby community as a whole, the foundation has raised over £1million and expanded the scale for MND awareness in the UK.

With the EPCR announcing they will contribute £51,500 into projects connected with the foundation, this is once again an instance where rugby looks after one of its own.

EPCR chairman, Simon Halliday, said: “The whole of the rugby family is behind Doddie and the fantastic work that is being done through the foundation, so we are thrilled to be involved and helping to bring attention to treatment of MND.

“Having played against Doddie, I know he’s a tough competitor and it’s great to be on the same side as him now as we work together around the Newcastle finals, which will be a fantastic occasion for all in European club rugby.”

Doddie Weir said: “We are delighted and overwhelmed by the support of EPCR with this partnership, especially in a city that is so close to our hearts.

“There is no cure for this horrific disease so to raise awareness as well as funds for crucial research is vital and we’ve had amazing support on a day-to-day basis.

“In the year since we set up the foundation, we have committed more than one million pounds to help find a cure for MND. That could not be done without the generosity and support of everyone out there and we will soon share details of further significant investment into research programmes.

“It is testament to EPCR that they are helping us, we greatly appreciate their support.”