ST Benedict's School in Ealing Broadway and The Old Priorian Rugby Football Club (OPRFC) – originally formed by alumni of the school - have chosen the Rugby Players Association (RPA) charity, Restart, as their official sports charity this year.

Restart provides support for current and former professional rugby players in England.

Damian Hopley, CEO of the RPA said: "We are extremely grateful to St Benedict's School and OPRFC for supporting Restart as their official sporting charity.

"On a personal note, this partnership is extra special having spent several very enjoyable years at St Benedict's with my older brothers back in the 80s.

"I have always applauded the way the school and rugby club continue to give back to the community and I'm thrilled that the RPA's official charity, Restart, will benefit from their support.

"It relies entirely on the generosity of fundraisers and donors to fund vital services and support to current and former professional rugby players struggling with serious injury, mental and physical illness and hardship.

"We look forward to working with St Benedict's and OPRFC to raise awareness and funds for the important work our charity is doing within rugby for our female and male players."

As part of the new sporting charity partnership, the school and the rugby club aim to shine a spotlight on Restart among their pupils, staff, parents, alumni and club members and also organise fundraising activities and campaigns in aid of the charity to make sure their vital services can continue for players that rely on their support every season.

St Benedict's Headmaster, Andrew Johnson said: "We are delighted to be supporting Restart as one of our chosen charities for 2021/2022.

"St Benedict's has a distinguished tradition of sporting excellence.

"The school promotes the highest sporting aspirations and is also committed to physical fitness and sport for all.

"Indeed, many of our pupils go on to play rugby at an international, national or amateur level with our alumni rugby club the OPRFC after leaving school.

"Supporting players through difficult times and ensuring their mental wellbeing and emotional needs are supported is a principle we as a school feel closely aligned with.

"We very much look forward to supporting the great work being carried out by Restart over the coming year."

OPRFC Chairman Alex Pereira Inacio said: "It is an honour to collaborate with St. Benedict's in supporting Restart to give back to the sport and the community we are all so embedded in.

"The OPRFC is built on support networks and thrives on 'paying it forward'.

"Remaining true to the ethos of never being the grey man, something that is so instilled in rugby and rugby clubs, lends itself to the practical action Restart takes to help players and their families who have been affected by injury or mental health issues.

"The OPRFC looks forward to joining the Restart community with their mission to promote and protect the interests of their members, throughout their playing careers and beyond."