Since 2013, Speranza22 has raised and donated over £65,000 to various charities. As we count down to the Dubai 7s, we are now aiming to raise funds for our 2024 charity partners: the British Heart Foundation and the Matt Gallagher Foundation. Both charities are close to the team's heart: the British Heart Foundation funds vital research to prevent and treat heart and circulatory diseases, while the Matt Gallagher Foundation supports aspiring athletes and individuals through education and community-focused initiatives.

The story of Speranza22 is one that resonates with many, whether through press coverage or our social media channels. While the foundation's inception was born from a tragic event, our mission is clear: to honor Marco Speranza’s memory by making a positive impact. We aim to keep Marco’s legacy alive by playing quality rugby and raising both awareness and funds for a range of important causes. To date, the team has supported a wide range of charities. These include Try Rugby, an initiative that teaches rugby to children with additional needs, and CCELA, an orphanage in Ethiopia. We’ve also supported Mike Ballard, an Abu Dhabi Harlequins rugby player who suffered a severe spinal injury in 2014, aiding his recovery. This year, Mike is aiming for a spot on the USA Paralympic Kayaking team. Additionally, we’ve worked with The Ted Senior Foundation, established in memory of Ted Senior, a talented rugby player who tragically took his own life. Many current Speranza22 players played alongside Ted at university, and the foundation now provides mental health support within university sports clubs, ensuring students have access to trained professionals during difficult times.

As we look to the future, our commitment to raising awareness and funds for worthy causes remains unwavering. Raising money through tournament prize funds and dedicated events is at the core of Speranza22's mission, and it continues to be something we deeply cherish. To further support our charitable efforts, Speranza22 players are coming together to complete the S22 Dubai Challenge. Starting November 1st, over a span of 22 days, all Speranza22 players reprenting pur teams at the Dubai 7’s will complete 222km through running, cycling, or rowing. Players will compete against one another, not only for bragging rights but to raise the most money for our chosen charities. Through this challenge, we hope to build on Marco’s legacy by continuing to play great rugby while supporting a wide range of good causes.

Here’s a message from Jiuta Wainiqolo, Fiji 7s Tokyo Olympics gold medalist and Speranza22 player in 2019:

"Playing for Speranza22 in Dubai in 2019 was an unforgettable experience. Running out with such a talented group of players, combined with S22’s family-like atmosphere, made it truly special. It was also around that time I was first called into the Fiji 7s squad – the rest is history!"

If you’d like to follow the team’s progress and our results at the Dubai 7s, be sure to connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Thank you for your support! Both the team and our charity partners deeply appreciate it.