Normally when I write this, I give you all a summary of what’s going on in the league and what’s going on with Prem rugby and the RFU.
Well tonight is very different. Tonight is about celebrating the life of a dear old friend of mine, Matt Gallagher and raising as much money as possible for the Matt Gallagher Foundation. Matt was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in Oct 2023 and very sadly passed away only a month ago. As was his nature, following his diagnosis, Matt wanted to help others and so the Matt Gallgher Foundation was set up, whose mission is to make a direct, positive impact on those living with MND today, by offering fast support and a large network of contacts who can help in many different ways.
Matt and I played together and against each other for many years, having both been students back in the early 90’s. Matt played nearly a hundred games for both Nottingham and Coventry Rugby clubs (apparently he never lost when they played each other!!), and when I saw Matt at the Cov former players dinner, two Christmas’ ago, I approached John Sharp, the Chairman of Coventry Rugby and said we should do something between our two clubs to support Matt and the foundation and so the Matt Gallagher Cup was born.
So tonight’s game is for the Matt Gallgher Cup and it is played twice a year between Nottingham and Coventry Rugby Clubs, with the winner on the night taking home the cup. But tonight’s match is much more than that. Tonight’s match is about the wider game coming together and celebrating one of its own and sending our love and support to Matt’s family.
There are lots of ways to support the Foundation, so please dig as deep as you can and give as much support as you can.
Love you Matt.