26th March – 28th March - Northampton Saints → Saracens (Tottenham Hotspur Stadium)

In partnership with Speakeasy Club & Restart Rugby.  All fundraising is split equally between these two fantastic organisations. 

Walking together to connect the rugby family and change the conversation on mental health.

Bench 2 Bench is a three-day, 75-mile walk bringing grassroots and elite rugby together. Side by side, conversations flow more easily. Stories are shared. Isolation is reduced. And vital funds are raised, so no one in rugby faces mental health challenges alone.

From grassroots to elite, we move together. One rugby family. One shared journey. One conversation at a time.

Why It Matters

Rugby is built on connection, but when it comes to mental health, too many people suffer in silence.

Mental health affects players, coaches, volunteers, parents, and fans — from muddy Sunday pitches to packed stadiums. Injuries, pressure, transition, and life after rugby can make the silence feel overwhelming.

Bench 2 Bench exists to change that. Every step is a conversation. Every conversation creates space for support.

The Cause

This walk raises awareness and funds for two charities supporting different levels of the same game:

Speakeasy Club (Grassroots)

• Creates safe spaces for conversation in community sport
• Pink benches with QR codes linking to free mental health resources
• Encourages everyday check-ins, openness, and connection
• Supports players, volunteers, parents, and fans

Restart Rugby (Elite & Former Players)

• Supports professional players facing injury, mental health challenges, and career transition
• Provides counselling, financial grants, and practical support
• Ensures players aren’t left isolated when the game moves on

Different roles. Different levels. One shared mission: connection, understanding, and support.

The Walk (To book, please select each day you would like to take part in the walk)

• Dates: 26–28 March
• Route: Northampton Saints → Tottenham

🏉 DAY 1 – Thursday 26 March

Northampton → Milton Keynes

• Start: 8:00am – CINCH Franklin’s Gardens
• Men's Own RFC (early morale stop ☕)
• Finish: Milton Keynes RFC

Distance: ~21 milesWalking time: 8–9 hoursFinish time: ~5:00–6:00pm

🛏 Sleep: Milton Keynes 

🏉 DAY 2 – Friday 27 March

Milton Keynes → St Albans (via Luton & Leighton Buzzard)

• Start: 7:30am – Milton Keynes RFC
• Mid-morning: Luton RFC
• Early afternoon: Leighton Buzzard RFC
• Finish: Old Albanians RFC (St Albans)

Distance: ~42 miles (big day, but doable with purpose)Walking time: 13–14 hoursFinish time: ~8:30–9:00pm

🛏 Sleep: St Albans(This is the toughest day — mentally and physically — but also the heart of the story.)

🏉 DAY 3 – Saturday 28 March

St Albans → Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

• Start: 6:30 am – Old Albanians RFC
• Mid-morning: StoneX Stadium (Saracens)
• Final push: North London → Spurs

Distance: ~12 miles, Walking time: 4–5 hours, Arrival: ~12:30–1:00 pm 🎯 Finish comfortably before 2:00 pm and kick off. 

• Finish: Sarries vs Lightning in the Premiership Women's Rugby, 230pm kick-off, followed by the Saints v Saracens matchday, 6 pm Kick off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 
• Who can join: Players, fans, coaches, clubs, families, businesses

Walk the full route or join for a section. This isn’t about pace,  it’s about community.

 Get Involved

👉 Sign up to walk (full or part route) - A fundraising page is automatically created for you to use, share and promote. 

👉 Fundraise for Restart Rugby and Speakeasy Club

👉 Share your story and help others feel less alone

Walking together makes it easier to talk — and talking saves lives.