🚶‍♂️ Join us for the Bench2Bench Walk 2025! 🚶‍♀️

‘Restart, the official charity of the Rugby Players Association, and Speakeasy Club are teaming up this October for the Bench2Bench Walk – a 65-mile challenge linking two PREM Rugby clubs.

Click here to access the fundraising link for both organisations.

Across two days (23rd–24th October), walkers will set off from StoneX Stadium, home of Saracens, and finish at Northampton Saints’ cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens. Participants will raise vital funds for both charities, harnessing the power of sport to strengthen communities, support players at all levels, and stand alongside those facing hardship.

Founded in 2022, Speakeasy Club’s mission is to use the power of sport to save lives by empowering, educating, and supporting individuals before they reach a crisis point. Together with Restart, they aim to highlight the support networks available to both elite and grassroots players.

Simon Clarke, Founder & Director of SpeakEasy Club, said: “We believe in the power of sport to change and even save lives. The Bench2Bench Walk is an opportunity for people to come together, share their stories, and support one another while raising vital funds. Every mile walked helps us continue our mission to reach people before they hit crisis.”

Luke Cheyne, Head of Player Development & Wellbeing at the RPA “Restart has supported players through career-ending injuries, mental health struggles and the challenges of life after rugby, often when they’ve had nowhere else to turn. This 65-mile walk from StoneX to Cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens is about making sure that the lifeline remains strong. 

 We’d love people to join us for part or all of the route, share a conversation and be part of the journey. Partnering with the SpeakEasy Club, whose benches encourage open conversations about well-being, gives the challenge even more meaning. To finish in time for Saints v Saracens underlines what rugby is really about - looking after its people off the pitch as well as on it.”

 Whether you’re walking for the challenge, the cause, or the camaraderie, every step counts. Spaces are limited, so sign up today and be part of something special.’

This isn’t just a walk — it’s a mission. Together, we’ll:

• Raise vital funds for Restart Rugby (supporting professional players in need) and Speakeasy Club (championing mental health and connection in community sport).

• Use the power of sport to strengthen communities and stand alongside people facing hardship or uncertainty.

• Shine a light on support available — Restart for elite rugby players, Speakeasy Club for grassroots sport and beyond.

👉 Whether you’re walking for the challenge, the cause, or the camaraderie, every step makes a difference.

The route - Day 1

1. Saracens - StoneX Stadium
2. Old Albanian Sports Club
3. Luton RFC
4. Leighton Buzzard RFC

The route - Day 2

1. Leighton Buzzard RFC
2. Milton Keynes RFC
3. AN Other RFC (Roade)
4. Northampton Saints, CINCH Franklins Gardens Stadium

Cost: £25 entry fee, which includes:

1. Event kit - TBC
2. Access to support vehicle/s along the whole route.
3. Fully mapped & risk-assessed route from start to finish.
4. Fundraising opportunities for Restart Rugby or Speakeasy Club
5. Photos & Videos from the event.
6. On-route refreshments.
7. Checkpoint refreshments.
8. Finish line drink.

Spaces are limited — sign up today and be part of something special.

For any enquiries please contact esixton@restartrugby.co.uk  or simon@speakeasyclub.co.uk  

Thank you, and meet you at the bench.