Teddy takes to the mic with Gloucester Hartpury star Mackenzie Carson as the Tigers beat The Cherry and Whites, but the good wins out, above all, in Birmingham.
Let’s be honest. The first Slater Cup game to be played in the historic football stadium Villa Park didn’t go great for Gloucester Rugby on the pitch. Leicester scored four tries in the first 16 minutes and despite Gloucester rallying saw the victory out 36-17 on March 28th.
But for bigger reasons, the Cherry and Whites will see the day as a success.
Emotionally, it was hard for some fans to play a home game away from fortress Kingsholm. But an attendance 24,208 vindicated the decision to move in the name of raising funds and awareness for people affected by motor neurone disease – Kingsholm’s capacity is 16,115.
At the time of writing, the club was still finalising the exact amount made, but I was told it was more than £50,000.
The Cup is named after Ed Slater, a much-loved former captain of both clubs who has spearheaded efforts to mitigate the catastrophic ramifications of MND through his 4Ed Foundation.
What started as an organisation to help Ed and his family in the wake of his MND diagnosis, has grown ever bigger and impactful.
The 4Ed Foundation has granted thousands of pounds to help people across the UK affected by MND. The funds go to things like vital home adaptations that make the lives of those diagnosed with MND and their carers that little bit easier.
On a personal note, it was nice to be able to contribute by presenting in-stadium coverage of events on the big screens at Villa Park. Fun too to work alongside Gloucester Hartpury and England women’s star Mackenzie Carson.
“Mack’ was a bundle of energy and brilliant to work with. Though at one point got a little carried away and promised an dance-off winner a lifetime supply of sauce – when the official prize was a year’s supply!
In fairness, how much sauce can you consume in a year? It’s a grey area!
Mackenzie and I had the treat of interviewing rugby royalty in Brian O’Driscoll and towering ex Gloucester and Leicester lock Jim Hamilton.
It was kind too of current Gloucester legend Lewis Ludlow to stop by for a post-match chat despite his obvious disappointment at the defeat.
A novel and fun experience was having an on-camera conversation with non-rugby celebrities James and Oliver Phelps. The affable brothers play the Weasley twins in the Harry Potter films. Good guys and big Gloucester fans!
All told it was heart warming to witness so many people rallying around Ed Slater and giving their time and energy freely.
Ex Gloucester and Leicester players also raised funds by staging a bike race – the Gloucester team cycled to Villa Park from Kingsholm while the Tigers legends raced down from Welford Road.
Unfortunately, I think Leicester won the bike race too!
But plenty for both clubs to be proud of.
I’ve regularly worked with Gloucester over the past season – presenting The Blindside podcast and hosting evenings with club members – and The Slater Cup underscored the rock-solid connection the club has with its fans.
There’s a lot of love in both directions and The Slater Cup is always a timely reminder of the good sport can do. Plans are afoot to bring the fixture back to Villa Park next season and I can only see the event growing.
For more on The4Ed Foundation: https://4-ed.co.uk/
