Thursday, 30 July 2026
Fundraising
On 27 September, rugby union and rugby league will once again come together for The 745 Game to raise funds for the motor neuron disease (MND) community. The game will take place at the Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium, the home of Leicester Tigers, as part of their Home Opener.
The game will be played as part of a double-header, with Leicester Tigers taking on Saracens in their first Gallagher PREM home fixture of the season, before legends of rugby league and union step onto the pitch for The 745 Game and play against each other in a game of modified rules.
One ticket will give fans entry to both games, and for every ticket purchased, Leicester Tigers will donate £3 to the charities behind The 745 Game – which includes My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Season Ticket Holders will also have the option to donate more and be entered into a draw for some ‘money-can’t-buy’ prizes.
The 745 Game is all about friendship, community, and coming together to tackle MND. But just as importantly, it’s about having fun, something Doddie always showed us the importance of. Now in its third year, I don’t think any of us could have imagined it would grow into what it is today. We're so proud to be part of it and can’t wait to see what comes next. As Doddie would say: Go Union!”
The game’s name reflects the rugby shirt numbers of Rob Burrow (7), Ed Slater (4) and Doddie Weir (5), and accordingly, the three charities supported by the game are The Rob Burrow Discretionary Trust, The 4Ed Foundation and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The fixture will also have special significance for Ed Slater – who is a well-loved and highly-respected member of the Leicester Tigers family, having captained the club between 2014 and 2016.
Speaking about the match, Ed said: “The 745 Game started as an idea between friends and has grown into something that means so much to so many people. Every year, it brings together the rugby family to raise awareness and vital funds for those living with MND."
Hosting the game at Mattioli Woods Welford Road feels particularly meaningful to me given my connection to Leicester Tigers and the memories I’ve made there. We want the day to be a celebration of Rob, Doddie and everyone affected by MND, while continuing to push for a future where this disease no longer exists.
Players and coaches for the game will be revealed in the coming weeks, with fan favourites including Joe Marler, Ben Youngs and Tom Youngs set to feature, alongside a host of other rugby stars.
Further tickets are available now for Leicester Tigers Season Ticket Holders. Members of ‘The List’ will have access to tickets on 4 August at 10am, and the early bird general sale for tickets will begin on 11 August.
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