Endurance tests and crazy stunts from 1927 Challenge brings Boston Rugby Club together during lockdown

Tests of endurance and a few crazy stunts have seen members of Boston Rugby Club smash their fundraising goal in the 1927 Challenge.

The Blue and Whites - founded in 1927 - wanted to raise a total of £1,927 in sponsorship by members clocking up a total of 1,927 miles by next Saturday. But they have already passed the £3,000 mark.

Among the lockdown challenges, players Josh Cook and Jack Wright completed a 100-mile bike ride, Jaron Cowern swam the South Forty Foot from Hubbert's Bridge to the club's base on the Boardsides in a wetsuit and bikini while Matt Deane and Luke Fowler have run a half marathon.

Other challenges include head coach Ash Coates kayaking 40 miles, Nick Hall taking on a 400-mile cycling challenge and Anthony Buckberry preparing to push a car 1,927m at the Princess Royal Sports Arena this Saturday.

Other members, from the men's, women's and junior sections have also been involved by taking on dancing, walking, running and cycling challenges.

"The money' an important part of it, but the most important part was connecting everybody," Coates said.

"You've got an awful lot of people throughout the club that can't go down there and may find it a struggle to motivate themselves.

"I thought it would be a good idea if we all try to challenge ourselves, be it going for walk with the family or anything, just to keep us all communicating."

The challenges have brought support from the south coast to north of the border, plus a few celebrity endorsements, including former Scotland international Kelly Brown and Coronation Street star Anthony Cotton donating and raising awareness.

"What's been really nice is connections from across the country, rugby club's in Portsmouth and Scotland have donated and promoted what we do," Coates addes.

"People who grew up with the club and moved away have supported us as well."

The fundraising campaign will also help cover finances for the club, who have missed out on their lucrative fireworks night and may still not be able to put on a Christmas Party this year.

"They're tough times and we've got no income this month, and a lot of things would have been happening," Coates continued.

"So if we can raise some money then ultimately it keeps us going. It makes it easier to survive.

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