The Rugby Football League are pleased to announce that Friday, August 25 will officially be known as Jersey Day.
Originally planned for Friday, May 26, fans are now encouraged to wear their favourite jersey on the eve of the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup final to celebrate the biggest annual Rugby League event in the calendar.
The first-ever Jersey Day is the idea of lifelong Rugby League fan Graham Berry, who will work alongside the Rugby Football League to create the sport’s own version of ‘dress-down Friday’.
Jersey Day also has the backing of Leeds Rhinos forward and former international player Jamie Jones-Buchanan, former Great Britain and St Helens player Paul Sculthorpe MBE and Lizzie Jones.
Lizzie Jones, whose husband Danny Jones, a former Keighley Cougars player and Welsh international, tragically died following a cardiac arrest in 2015 during a game against London Skolars, is now campaigning to raise funds to purchase defibrillators which can be placed in Rugby League clubs and public places.
A special jersey has been made to represent Danny’s club (Keighley Cougars), country (Wales), number (6) and to celebrate Jersey Day – please visit www.rugbystreet.org.uk for more details.
On the concept of Jersey Day, Jamie Jones-Buchanan said: “This a fantastic way to celebrate our sport and a day that has already been marked on my calendar.
“I’ve accrued a few jerseys in my career and plenty hold many memories for one reason or another; from winning the Challenge Cup at Wembley to my community club colours (Stanningley) which set the template for my 2009 Testimonial shirt.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re at work, school or in London ahead of the final, I’d encourage everyone to get their favourite jersey on!”
Lizzie Jones added: “I’m excited to see everyone wearing their Rugby League jerseys on August 25.
“For those that would like to make a donation in the build-up and on Jersey Day, the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund is going from strength to strength and now helping many clubs purchase life-saving equipment.
“The way everyone comes together for events like these really does make me proud to be involved in this sport.”
Fans wanting to make a donation to the Danny Jones Defibrillator Fund on Jersey Day can do so via the official Just Giving page www.justgiving.com/fundraising/danny-jones-defibrillator-fund
