We are delighted to announce that Cornish Rebels RLFC will be the host club for this years South West Premier League's annual curtain-raiser the South West 9's.
The tournament will take place on Sunday 4th May, one day before renowned Rugby League charity the Steve Prescott Foundation embark upon their 'ASKVAS Walk for Precky in association with Container Cabins' from Lands End to John O'Groats. An 8 strong team will split into two teams of four and walk eight hours on, and eight hours off consecutively. As a mark of respect for the great Steve Prescott, A Rugby League legend who died tragically in November last year after beating Cancer but could not overcome a Graft versus Host disease, the South West Premier League has decided to rename the tournament 'The Steve Prescott Foundation South West 9's' for 2014, with clubs entering from all over the South West competing for the all-new Steve Prescott Cup.
Martin Blondel General Manager of The Steve Prescott Foundation said "It is a fantastic honour for the SPF to be part of the South West 9s, Steve would be extremely humbled and proud to have this prestigious tournament named after him. The work the Cornish Rebels have done to expand the game of Rugby League has been immense and the SPF would like to assist the club in making sure that they continue to grow and promote our great game."
Super League heroes Lee Briers, Paul Sculthorpe & Tommy Martyn will be setting off from Lands End 06:00 on Monday 5th May, and will be attending the latter stages of the 9's tournament as they arrive in Cornwall on the Sunday afternoon, also providing entertainment in the form of a Q&A as well as a raffle with prestigious prizes provided by the foundation, in the bar after the tournament at Redruth RFC.
Rebels charity partners State of Mind will also be in attendance and will walk every step of the way with the Foundation as they continue their mission to raise awareness for player welfare and mental health. Premier League football referee Mark Halsey will also be taking part in the walk and the Q&A with the club on the night.
The Rebels will demonstrate their commitment to the cause through donating all proceeds from the day back to the Foundation as well as members of the club joining the walk itself. Chairman John Beach, Director of Rugby League Development Laurence Belt and Rebels forward Alec Plunkett will be walking the first leg of the walk from Lands End to the Inn for All Seasons at Redruth side-by-side with the other members. Rebels Secretary Rob Butland said that it was a tremendous honour to be given the opportunity. "There aren't many people in the Rugby League world who haven't been truly touched by the story of Steve and his Foundation, which continues to grow following his tragic passing last year. We have been given an opportunity through the 'Walk for Precky' and the annual South West 9's tournament to join forces and make both events great spectacles for the South West, on a scale that it has not yet experienced. The area is still quite new to Rugby League and with such prolific people, who bring with them such great history, taking time out to visit us before their epic journey, the people of Redruth are in for an unbelievable treat. We are looking forward to it immensely."
Ex Great Britain Captain Paul Sculthorpe added "We cannot wait for the Walk to start in the memory of Steve. The Cornish Rebels and South West 9s are giving us the perfect start for the challenge ahead. It is great that we can help to spread the word of Rugby League, raise funds and support those less fortunate than ourselves. Rugby League at its best bringing everyone together."
This will be the first time that a Rugby League tournament has been held in Cornwall and marks the growth that Rugby League has seen in recent years in the Duchy. Entry to the event will be free, with a bucket collection and fundraising activity taking place during the day to raise much-needed funds. We sincerely hope you will come along to support some fantastic causes, as well as supporting the Cornish Rebels as they bid to better last years runners-up spot on the pitch.
Kick off will be at 12 o'clock midday at The Recreation Ground, Redruth and the Steve Prescott Foundation South West 9's Final 2014 will kick off at 5 PM on Sunday the 4th May 2014.