I took the Doddie5 Red on a mini tour of England last week. As we absorb the awful news of Lewis Moody’s MND diagnosis, the statement from the RFU was very welcome. The former England Captain was one of our World Cup heroes, an essential part of our rugby family. As Doddie himself said, ‘MND is not incurable, just underfunded’. We continue to push for his dream of a world free from MND and in a society where there is always competition for good causes, rugby can do it’s bit to drive the research further and faster in search of a cure.

I pay tribute to Coventry RFC and Bath Rugby who are the two most recent clubs to order in this remarkable Bordeaux blend made by Schalk Burger. To repeat, as long as there is demand Schalk has agreed to keep making this wine. Let us see  what we can achieve by the end of the year to get  more sporting clubs on board in addition to your wonderful support.

We also thank Gleneagles Resort & Spa who are now ordering this wine in their ongoing support for MNDF as well as to wow their customers.

It is rare to see such passionate and high quality artisanship, sporting connection, and charitable objective all coming together to keep the touchpaper alight for a fight against a disease which has become immensely personal for all connected.

I understand that Lewis will walk out with the match ball before the Australia game, recalling Doddie’s emotional walk out at Murrayfield before the All Blacks match some years ago. Immensely courageous and reminding us all to keep battling, and in Doddie’s words again, ‘Never Give Up’.