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 crisis point. Together with Restart, they aim to shine a spotlight on 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 a chance for people to come together, open up, and support each other 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 added: “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 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 wellbeing, 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."