In the tough, competitive world of rugby, teamwork and strength are everything. Now, a new initiative born from the heart of players and coaches is applying that same spirit to a more crucial game: men's mental health.

The club are proud to support the launch of The Huddle, a new social support group founded by local East Midlands rugby players and coaches. Their mission is simple but vital: to get men talking, to feel listened to, and to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health.

Why The Huddle is Important: The Need to Talk
The statistics are sobering and demand action. In 2023, men accounted for 74% of all suicides in the UK. These figures are not just numbers; they represent brothers, fathers, sons, and teammates lost because, for too long, men have been taught to "man up" and suffer in silence.

We, as rugby guys, understand the pressure to appear strong. But real strength lies in vulnerability and connection. The Huddle is a dedicated, safe environment where this culture of silence is replaced by a culture of open conversation.

The Huddle is a social support group, it is not therapy, but a community. Sessions are built around providing:
• A Safe Space: A completely confidential, non-judgmental venue where men can share whatever is on their mind, from the daily grind to serious struggles.
• Brotherhood: A network of support, modelled on the camaraderie of rugby, where men know they have others watching their back.
• Conversation: They aim to tackle the isolation that many men feel by providing a regular, reliable place to connect and feel truly listened to.
• Venue: To ensure The Huddle is accessible to as many as possible we will host our sessions at a different club each month, leveraging the strength of local community networks.

Join the First Session: Date and Venue
Walking into a new environment to talk about your feelings is one of the hardest steps you can take. You are promised a welcome with the same warmth and respect we show on the pitch.

Detail Information
Venue Deepings Rugby Union F.C. Deeping St. James, PE6 8NJ
Date 5th December 2025
Time 19:00 – 21:00

Deepings Rugby Union F.C. on the Initiative
The rugby club believes deeply in the value of this group.
"At Deepings R.U.F.C., we talk a lot about team performance, but performance off the pitch is just as crucial. We are immensely proud to host The Huddle and support the founding players and coaches. This group aligns perfectly with the core values of rugby and our club: Respect, Discipline, and above all, Teamwork. The Huddle provides a crucial lifeline for men in our community, and we believe that fostering this safe space is one of the most important wins we can achieve."

We encourage every man in the area to take that first brave step and join us in The Huddle. Let’s break the stigma, together.