Rugby League Cares launched

The RFL has launched its new charity – Rugby League Cares – which brings together the sport’s existing charities; the Rugby League Foundation, RFL Benevolent Fund, RFL Heritage Trust and club foundations.

Rugby League Cares is dedicated to supporting the Rugby League family and its local communities as well as enhancing and enriching people’s lives through the power and positive influence of Rugby League.

Rugby League Cares Chairman Terry Flanagan said: “The central idea is to provide assistance to Rugby League’s broad community by attracting more support from sponsors, partners and the public in general.”

“I think it’s the right time to integrate and launch such an initiative. It will build on the great work that the Rugby League Foundation, the RFL Heritage Trust, all the club foundations and the magnificent work the Benevolent Fund has been doing for a number of years but under the branding of Rugby League Cares and a whole new charity model.

“I’m convinced it will take all the charities involved in this magnificent game to a different level.”

Various promotions have taken place over the weekend with the charity officially launched today, the official birthday of Rugby League – the sport was founded on August 29, 1895.

RFL Director of Participation David Gent said: “We are delighted to officially launch Rugby League Cares and see all our various charity branches come together as one.

“We have been involved in some terrific work raising awareness, fund-raising and promoting events in previous years and I look forward to seeing that great work continue under the Rugby League Cares banner for many years to come.”

Supporters can get involved with Rugby League Cares by taking membership in the charity for a sum of £20 per annum or £2 per month by visiting www.rugbyleaguecares.org or following @rlcares on Twitter