Get your jerseys on for a cause

THE Rugby Football League have announced that Friday, August 25 will officially be known as ‘Jersey Day’.

Fans are encouraged to wear their favourite jersey on the eve of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final to celebrate one of the biggest Rugby League events in the calendar. The first-ever Jersey Day is the idea of lifelong Rugby League fan Graham Berry, who will work alongside the RFL to create the sport’s own version of dressdown Friday.

Jersey Day also has the backing of former Great Britain and St Helens star Paul Sculthorpe MBE, Leeds Rhinos forward Jamie Jones-Buchanan, and Lizzie Jones whose husband Danny Jones, a former Keighley Cougars player and Welsh international, tragically died following a cardiac arrest in 2015 during a game against London Skolars. Lizzie is now campaigning to raise funds to purchase defibrillators which can be placed in Rugby League clubs and public places.

A special jersey has been made to represent Danny’s club (Keighley Cougars), country (Wales), number (6) and to celebrate Jersey Day – visit www.rugbystreet. org.uk for more details.

On the concept of Jersey Day, JonesBuchanan said: “This a fantastic way to celebrate our sport and a day that has already been marked on my calendar. I’ve accrued a few jerseys in my career and plenty hold many memories for one reason or another; from winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley to my community club colours (Stanningley) which set the template for my 2009 Testimonial shirt.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re at work, school or in London ahead of the final, I’d encourage everyone to get their favourite jersey on!”

And Lizzie added: “I’m excited to see everyone wearing their Rugby League jerseys on August 25.

“The way everyone comes together for events like these really does make me proud to be involved in this sport.” ● Fans wanting to make a donation to the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund can do so via the official Just Giving page.