The 745 Game isn’t just about rugby — it’s about heart, hope, and the power of coming together. Its name carries the numbers of three extraordinary men: Rob Burrow (#7), Ed Slater (#4), and Doddie Weir (#5), whose courage and resilience continue to inspire thousands. This special event honours their fight against Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and their shared belief in a future free from it.
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Blending the worlds of Rugby League and Rugby Union, The 745 Game brings players and fans side by side for a common purpose.
It’s a celebration of community and compassion, where every cheer and every try helps raise awareness and vital funds for MND research, support, and hope — keeping the spirit of Rob, Ed, and Doddie alive in every moment.
Here is every player playing in the match for the Rugby Union side at Kingsholm this Sunday.
A link to donate can be found HERE.
Alex Lewington
Beginning with Leicester Tigers, Lewington’s sharp finishing saw him thrive at Nottingham and London Irish before starring for Saracens. Despite England Saxons recognition, senior selection eluded him. Renowned for his prolific try-scoring, he retired in 2024 with multiple Premiership titles, a Champions Cup win, and widespread respect.
Alex Waller
A one-club stalwart, Waller devoted his entire career to Northampton Saints. From academy product to captain, he played over 200 matches, famously scoring the 2014 Premiership-winning try. His reliability set a league record for consecutive appearances. He retired in 2024 after another title.
Andy Forsyth
Forsyth debuted for Leicester Tigers in 2009, impressing at centre against South Africa. His career journey took him through Sale, Yorkshire Carnegie, and Coventry, where consistency defined his play. During the 2019 Rugby World Cup, he returned to Leicester on loan.
Ben Pienaar
Born in South Africa but raised through English rugby pathways, Pienaar represented England Schools and age-grade teams while excelling in judo as a junior national champion. Injuries to senior Leicester forwards opened his breakthrough, and his strong performances earned European selection.
Ben Weir
Son of the inspirational Doddie Weir, Ben honours his father’s extraordinary legacy in rugby and charity. Doddie, capped 61 times for Scotland, became a national hero for raising millions for motor neurone disease research through the “My Name’5 Doddie” foundation. His courage and advocacy earned an OBE for outstanding service.
Ben Youngs
England’s most capped men’s player, Youngs debuted for Leicester Tigers at 17 and went on to earn 127 international caps. A dynamic scrum-half, he played in the 2019 World Cup Final and toured with the Lions in 2013. His career includes five Premiership titles and remarkable consistency at the elite level.
Billy Twelvetrees
From Sussex club rugby to England caps, Twelvetrees’ rise was built on versatility and drive. After early years at Leicester, he became a key figure and captain at Gloucester, earning international recognition and a Lions call-up. Following 12 loyal seasons, he joined Ealing, winning the Championship before retiring in 2024.
Dom Waldouck
Waldouck’s rugby journey began with Wasps Academy, earning early England age-grade honours and major club titles including the Heineken Cup and Premiership. His career spanned Saints, Irish, Ohio Aviators, and Newcastle, combining leadership and resilience.
Ed Williamson
Starting with Newcastle Falcons at 18, Williamson’s career showcased determination through injury setbacks and comebacks. He played across England and France, earning recognition for leadership and coaching at Rotherham Titans. Transitioning after rugby, he became a successful contemporary artist, exhibiting internationally and supporting charities with his artwork and advocacy.
Graham Kitchener
A multi-talented athlete who once trained with Wolverhampton Wanderers and excelled in athletics, Kitchener chose rugby, rising through Worcester’s academy before starring for Leicester Tigers. He scored in their 2013 Premiership final win and represented England Saxons and the senior squad.
Guy Thompson
A relentless flanker known for energy and determination, Thompson’s journey took him from Richmond and Jersey to Wasps, where he made 100 appearances between 2013 and 2018. Later joining Leicester Tigers, his adaptability across flanker and number eight roles made him a respected competitor across England’s top and second divisions.
Jake Polledri
Born in Bristol and representing Italy through heritage, Polledri’s powerful running made him a fan favourite at Gloucester. Overcoming serious injury, he returned to play for Zebre before retiring.
Joe Marler
A cornerstone of Harlequins and England’s front row, Marler became as well-known for his personality as his scrummaging power. Across more than a decade, he helped England to Six Nations titles and Quins to Premiership success. After years of international service, he retired in November 2024, transitioning smoothly into media life and he is perhaps more widely known for his time on Celebrity Traitors now.
Joe Simpson
Dynamic and quick, Simpson spent over a decade with Wasps, playing 230 games and earning an England cap at the 2011 World Cup. Injury setbacks couldn’t diminish his influence. Later representing Gloucester, Saracens, Bath, and Sale, he retired in 2023.
Johne Murphy
Murphy enjoyed success with Leicester Tigers, lifting the 2009 Premiership, before moving to Munster where he won the Magners League in 2011. His steady performances earned Ireland A and Emerging Ireland honours, including captaining the 2014 Nations Cup champions. Known for composure and teamwork, Murphy retired respected on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Josh Beaumont
Son of England legend Bill Beaumont, Josh forged his own path at Sale Sharks, becoming captain and a leader in their pack. Called up by England in 2015, he balanced intellect with grit, studying at Durham and leading by example. After 196 appearances, he retired in 2025 as a loyal club figurehead.
Kyle Traynor
Born in Farnborough to Glaswegian parents, Traynor combined rugby with academics, earning a degree at Edinburgh Napier while rising through Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland’s ranks. Earning four caps between 2009 and 2012, he later represented Bristol, Leicester, and Gloucester. Intelligent and grounded, he retired in 2019 after completing a master’s at Oxford.
Lee Dickson
A sharp, vocal scrum-half, Dickson played for Newcastle Falcons, Northampton Saints, and England, winning 18 caps between 2012 and 2014. Renowned for leadership and tempo, he captained Saints and later transitioned seamlessly into coaching. Today, he develops young talent as Skills Coach at Newcastle Red Bulls and leads rugby at Barnard Castle School.
Mark Atkinson
A creative, powerful centre, Atkinson worked his way from Esher and Bedford to Gloucester, where he became a fan favourite and earned an England debut in 2021. His empathy off the pitch matched his flair on it—his testimonial year supported cancer and MND charities. He retired in 2024, joining Gloucester’s business team.
Matt Garvey
Garvey’s career embodied versatility and integrity. A commanding lock and back-rower, he played for London Irish, Bath, Gloucester, and Worcester, captaining Bath in 2017. Representing England Saxons, he retired in 2022 to mentor players as a Rugby Players Association development manager, supporting life after rugby at Bath and Gloucester.
Michael Holford
A durable tighthead prop, Holford played over 50 matches for Leicester Tigers, also representing England at U19 and U21 level. Later moving to Wasps, his career was built on scrummaging strength and professionalism.
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