More than 80 rugby players have taken part in a new inter-club competition in Hitchin called the MNP Cup.

With full contact league fixtures not a possibility until January at the earliest, the Hitchin RFC senior men's section has introduced an innovative inter-club touch rugby tournament.

Within days of announcing the new concept, driven by Richard Lucas, founder of local mental wellbeing company Govox, more than 80 players had put their name forward to be put into a team.

In a true show of the 'Rugby Club Family' the 80 players were made up of regular senior men players, senior ladies players, youth players, those who regularly play touch at the club and some club stalwarts who have retired in the last few years.

The MNP Cup, supported by lead sponsor Mason Navarro Pledge, has seen five teams drawn from regular senior men with five captains.

The five teams play each other on a Thursday evening and on a Saturday morning with the overall winner being crowned once every team has played each other twice.

Passionate rugby advocate Adam Howard, organiser of sports tournament BacktoSchoolival told Hitchin Nub News: "We know the importance for people's mental health that regular physical activity can have.

"A number of players have expressed the improvement in their overall mood now rugby is back.

"The MNP Cup provides some meaningful competition alongside the training that has been delivered in difficult circumstances by head coach Adam Shaw since the start of July.

"In it's early days we have already seen a hugely positive impact on the numbers attending sessions, allowing the club to engage and support more members."

The Hertfordshire Referees Society has also supported the event, providing officials for all of the matches and really bought into the spirit of the competition.

It is also backed by a strong organising committee featuring players and regular committee members while the tournament has been supported by local councillor David Barnard.

Adam added: "Due to the on-going playing restrictions around Covid, the club has had to work hard to make the facilities and games Covid friendly.

"With as many as 50 people playing at a given fixture, adequate hand sanitising stations have had to be introduced while players cannot share bibs, meaning an investment in enough bibs to cover every player is required.

"Councillor Barnard's funding is invaluable in making the tournament viable and easy to run and Hitchin RFC thanks him for his support."

The MNP cup will run throughout November and new players are always welcome.

Anyone wanting to come down to try training or join a side can email Adam Howard on [email protected]

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