Cricklade Rugby Club is hoping to use the team sport of Rugby to help improve men’s mental health following the upsetting death of their captain Greg Roscow during lockdown.

Current captain Mike Murray released a video in partnership with Men’s Mental Health – Swindon detailing the heart-breaking time following Greg’s death and how having rugby to focus on has not just helped him, but could help other people going forward.

“Greg was the life and soul of every party and a man of many interests,” said 32-year-old Mike. “He could talk for hours about politics, cars, watches, sports, cigars, beers and any other subject you could care to name.

“He was equally at home leading us on the field or in a sing song at the clubhouse.”

Greg is still listed on the Cricklade Rugby Club website team section as the 1st XV Vice Captain, and also the 1st XV Social Secretary, his smiling face there for all to see

On the day that 29-year-old Greg, affectionately nicknamed Pasty, died, everyone congregated at the club so that they could be together at that difficult time.

“It was very important for us to come together as a club on that hard day and be there for one another, it was also a huge tribute to Pasty and the sheer extent of his reach in the community. He was well loved.”

The club, like most other sporting activities were forced to stop playing and training during the pandemic, and Mike is now advocating the importance of team sports and brotherhood, as well as staying physically active.

“Team sports and other activities that bring people together play a huge role in relieving the stresses of daily life.

“Having that taken away for an extended period has for sure had an effect on people, especially those such as Pasty who thrive in social environments.

“Beyond the obvious physical benefits of being fitter and healthier, they also provide a real world community to lean on when times are hard, especially in this digital age, where some people have gone months without face to face contact.”

The video, in partnership with Men’s Mental Health – Swindon came about when they partnered with Sport England to do a series on mental health in sport, and through a player in the club heard the story about Pasty.

Mike offered his advice to anyone else out there that might be struggling at the moment

“Reach out to your friends and family, talking to people is the first crucial step.

“Join a club and reconnect with people, it may be hard battling the initial anxiety, but that victory will help carry you through the next challenge and the one after that.”

Cricklade Rugby Club are looking for new players and urge people to get in touch if interested.