Club captains making grand contribution to The Players' Charity

As the league season reached it's half way point last weekend, the captains' challenge has seen Guinness Premiership skippers cross the whitewash a total of 10 times in the 11 rounds to date, with Santa arranging for six of those scores on Christmas weekend, giving the PRA Benevolent Fund a very welcome festive windfall.

Michael Lipman, Mike Tindall, Phil Dowson and Juan Fernandez Lobbe are leading the charge, with two tries a-piece, whilst Pat Sanderson and Bruce Reihana have also done their bit, scoring once each in the first half of the season.

With another 11 rounds until the regular season concludes, the gauntlet is down for the remaining six skippers to add to the tally.

In Round 12 this weekend, Coral.co.uk see Northampton skipper, Bruce Reihana, and Bath's Michael Lipman the likely candidates to cross the line and add to the £1,000 raised so far. Lipman is 5/1 to score against Wasps at the Rec whilst Reihana is at 3/1 to touch down at home against Leicester.

Damian Hopley, Chief Executive of the PRA said: "We are delighted that Coral.co.uk have pledged their support to the PRA Benevolent Fund this season. It's a charity that is very close to the hearts of the players and my congratulations go to the six skippers who have scored so far, ensuring a fantastic £1,000 donation to date.

"As all rugby fans know, captains like to lead by example, so I've no doubt the remaining six captains have been biding their time until the New Year to make their own contribution to the Players Charity in spectacular fashion! No pressure there then..."

Paul Gambrill, head of Coral's remote marketing said: "This is Coral.co.uk's third year as the official betting partner of the Guinness Premiership and we've always looked to support charities close to rugby's heart. The PRA Benevolent Fund is a fantastic cause and I'm delighted the captains have hit the £1,000 mark - lets hope they can double it before the season is out!"

Bath captain Michael Lipman said: "This is a great gesture by Coral.co.uk, and on behalf of all the captains and players I'd like to thank them for their generosity. The PRA Benevolent Fund is great cause, helping our fellow players past and present when they most need it, and it's brilliant that the captains are able to directly benefit our charity every time we score.
"I'm sure we can add significantly to the try count by the end of the season, and those captains yet to score will be keen to share the workload - but not, of course, by scoring against Bath."