Premiership players ring supporters in isolation as part of initiative led by Wasps Rugby

Wasps Rugby are leading a campaign which sees Premiership Rugby clubs ring supporters in an effort to keep fans connected and motivated during the Covid-19 restrictions in the UK.

Coventry based Wasps Rugby devised the #MakeThatCall campaign, which launched this week, with the aim of supporting their fans during the Covid-19 crisis.

From NHS workers, to other critical key works, and vulnerable people including the elderly, #MakeThatCall encourages people to connect. On Sunday, Jimmy Gopperth called life-long Wasps supporter, Peter Keith to wish him a happy 85th birthday.

Peter’s daughter, Alex had heard about the #MakeThatCall campaign and not being able to celebrate his 85th birthday due to self-isolating rules, she wanted to make his day feel special. She said: “It’s a really tough time for everyone at the moment and

just to hear a friendly voice is so important.

“When I heard about the campaign, I wanted to do something nice for my Dad who has supported Wasps all his life. My love of rugby is inspired by my father. I think it’s great what Premiership Rugby teams across the country are doing, and to remind us

all that we can do our bit too by simply picking up the phone or texting someone to make them feel connected at such an uncertain time. Dad was over the moon to speak to Jimmy.”

Exeter-based Peter was delighted when he picked up the phone and spoke to Jimmy. He said: “I went to my first Wasps game when I was 11 and to receive a call like this really made my day.”

Gopperth said: “Peter has supported Wasps for more than 70 years – to be able to give something back to him just with a simple call really brought home to me the power of such a gesture that we take for granted. So please do pick up the phone and #MakeThatCall to someone you think would appreciate it. That is what this club is all about.”

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Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, Saracens, Bath Rugby and Gloucester Rugby are among Premiership Rugby clubs to join the #MakeThatCall campaign, as coronavirus grips the world and the UK is self-isolating. Led by Wasps, the Premiership clubs wanted to help ease the pain that isolation can cause and encourage everyone to #MakeThatCall to their elderly relatives, friends and neighbours as well as to people who are doing all they can to help contribute to the national fight against the virus.

Premiership Rugby CEO, Darren Childs, endorsed #MakeThatCall: “I’m so proud of this campaign from Premiership Rugby’s players and clubs who support their communities right across the country. The past weeks have been tough for us all, but making these calls to our supporters, and hearing these heart-warming stories have kept us all going. We can all make a difference to someone, and we hope to support many more people over the coming weeks with this campaign.”

The campaign encourages people to spread the word by using social media to post the calls you make using #MakeThatCall and nominate someone else to do the same.

Watch: Rugby Australia Chief Executive Raelene Castle and Chairman Paul McLean