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SANDBACH CELEBRATES DOUBLE NOMINATION AT LOOSEHEADZ AWARDS
Peter Davenport
The club and mental health champion recognised for outstanding contribution
Sandbach RUFC are delighted to have been shortlisted for ‘Club of the Year’ at the annual LooseHeadz awards. Sandbach’s own Mike Grapes has also deservedly been nominated for ‘Loosehead of the Year (Mental Health Champion)’ for the second year in a row. The nominations reflect the club’s genuine commitment to improving mental health in rugby and its burgeoning relationship with LooseHeadz.
Sandbach first worked with LooseHeadz in 2024 when they hosted the inaugural ‘Bradley Peace Memorial Cup’ between Sandbach Social XV and LooseHeadz RFC. Last year saw a thrilling double header, featuring both women’s and men’s matches. This year, playing under RFU adapted laws due to the extreme summer heat and the effect on the pitches, the club staged a tournament featuring LooseHeadz RFC, Linley & Kidsgrove RUFC and two Sandbach teams.
This year’s tournament, and the previous year’s fixtures, were organised by Mike, with the cup named in memory of his brother Bradley. Mike is a player at the club and an age-grade coach.
Last year, discussing his involvement with LooseHeadz, Mike said: “My brother was twenty-seven when he took his own life. Once the lads found out, the support was overwhelming and really helped me mentally. I wanted to take something positive from such a tough situation, and linking up with LooseHeadz has been incredible. It’s helped spread the message that there’s always a better option and made sure every player at Sandbach knows they’re never alone, all the while keeping my brother’s memory alive.”
LooseHeadz is rugby's mental health movement. Founded in 2017, the charity's mission is to place a mental health champion in every rugby club around the world, ensuring that no player, member or supporter has to struggle alone.
Bradwall Road is becoming a second home for LooseHeadz, having hosted their Guinness World Records attempts earlier this summer, for the longest games of men’s and women’s rugby sevens. The club welcomed a host of players, physios, caterers, volunteers and support staff, all working together to deliver a smooth and successful event.
Reflecting on the club’s involvement with LooseHeadz, Rob Mayor, President of Sandbach RUFC said: “We were extremely proud to host this year’s LooseHeadz charity fundraising match at Sandbach Rugby Club. LooseHeadz do tremendous work within the rugby community, using the strength and camaraderie of our game to support people when they need it most.
“We are particularly proud that one of our own players, Mike Grapes, represents LooseHeadz, in helping to promote their work and the important message behind it.
“Rugby has always been about much more than what happens on the pitch. It is about friendship, support and looking after one another.”
A judging panel will now select the top three finalists in each category, with those finalists announced during the week of 7th September. The awards take place on Wednesday 7th October 2026 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London.
LooseHeadz Awards 2026 Shortlist
Club of the Year (Flagship Award)
Sponsored by Capgemini
Awarded to the club who has made real change within their community to tackle the stigma.
– Jurassic Pork
– Loughborough University Women’s Rugby Club
– Jersey RFC
– Leodiensian RUFC
– Chiswick RFC
– Mad Refs (Manchester & District Referee Society)
– Sandbach RUFC
– Boroughmuir Rugby
– Saracens
– Camelot RUFC
LooseHead of the Year (Mental Health Champion)
Sponsored by Onebright
Awarded to the mental health champion making real change, creating a club where everyone feels safe, supported, and seen.
– John Sergeant & Ben Donald | East Dorset Dockers
– Bex Edmonds & Ben Cooper | Vectis RFC
– Myles Landick | Jersey RFC
– Jacob Holt | Jurassic Pork
– Mike Grapes | Sandbach RUFC
– Wade Bricknell | Utah Rugby
– Rach Massey | Chester RUFC
– Neil Jones | Trebanos RFC
– Chase Thomas | Petersfield RFC
– Pedro De Sousa Santos | Saracens Amateurs RFC
Sandbach first worked with LooseHeadz in 2024 when they hosted the inaugural ‘Bradley Peace Memorial Cup’ between Sandbach Social XV and LooseHeadz RFC. Last year saw a thrilling double header, featuring both women’s and men’s matches. This year, playing under RFU adapted laws due to the extreme summer heat and the effect on the pitches, the club staged a tournament featuring LooseHeadz RFC, Linley & Kidsgrove RUFC and two Sandbach teams.
This year’s tournament, and the previous year’s fixtures, were organised by Mike, with the cup named in memory of his brother Bradley. Mike is a player at the club and an age-grade coach.
Last year, discussing his involvement with LooseHeadz, Mike said: “My brother was twenty-seven when he took his own life. Once the lads found out, the support was overwhelming and really helped me mentally. I wanted to take something positive from such a tough situation, and linking up with LooseHeadz has been incredible. It’s helped spread the message that there’s always a better option and made sure every player at Sandbach knows they’re never alone, all the while keeping my brother’s memory alive.”
LooseHeadz is rugby's mental health movement. Founded in 2017, the charity's mission is to place a mental health champion in every rugby club around the world, ensuring that no player, member or supporter has to struggle alone.
Bradwall Road is becoming a second home for LooseHeadz, having hosted their Guinness World Records attempts earlier this summer, for the longest games of men’s and women’s rugby sevens. The club welcomed a host of players, physios, caterers, volunteers and support staff, all working together to deliver a smooth and successful event.
Reflecting on the club’s involvement with LooseHeadz, Rob Mayor, President of Sandbach RUFC said: “We were extremely proud to host this year’s LooseHeadz charity fundraising match at Sandbach Rugby Club. LooseHeadz do tremendous work within the rugby community, using the strength and camaraderie of our game to support people when they need it most.
“We are particularly proud that one of our own players, Mike Grapes, represents LooseHeadz, in helping to promote their work and the important message behind it.
“Rugby has always been about much more than what happens on the pitch. It is about friendship, support and looking after one another.”
A judging panel will now select the top three finalists in each category, with those finalists announced during the week of 7th September. The awards take place on Wednesday 7th October 2026 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London.
LooseHeadz Awards 2026 Shortlist
Club of the Year (Flagship Award)
Sponsored by Capgemini
Awarded to the club who has made real change within their community to tackle the stigma.
– Jurassic Pork
– Loughborough University Women’s Rugby Club
– Jersey RFC
– Leodiensian RUFC
– Chiswick RFC
– Mad Refs (Manchester & District Referee Society)
– Sandbach RUFC
– Boroughmuir Rugby
– Saracens
– Camelot RUFC
LooseHead of the Year (Mental Health Champion)
Sponsored by Onebright
Awarded to the mental health champion making real change, creating a club where everyone feels safe, supported, and seen.
– John Sergeant & Ben Donald | East Dorset Dockers
– Bex Edmonds & Ben Cooper | Vectis RFC
– Myles Landick | Jersey RFC
– Jacob Holt | Jurassic Pork
– Mike Grapes | Sandbach RUFC
– Wade Bricknell | Utah Rugby
– Rach Massey | Chester RUFC
– Neil Jones | Trebanos RFC
– Chase Thomas | Petersfield RFC
– Pedro De Sousa Santos | Saracens Amateurs RFC
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