Rauri

Growing up in Plymouth, Rugby was my first love! I started playing aged 4 and have never stopped! I’ve dabbled with other sports but frankly was never much good! My playing career peaked at 16 when I represented England schoolboys and joined the Harlequins academy. I left Plymouth to take the opportunity to play rugby and study my A-Levels at Millfield then physiotherapy in London. Nowadays I am a London based physiotherapist and still play rugby for Kew Occasionals and Guy’s Hospital and tour internationally with various invitational teams.

previous challenges

I caught the endurance bug after taking up cycling to fill the summer terms at Millfield. I’ve completed the worlds hardest one day cycling events; l’etape, la marmotte and the maratona, as well as multi-day events such as LEJOG. Without doubt my toughest challenge to date was my “Long Week in Japan”, A 1500km 5 day cycle, 2km swim and 49km run across Japan. Like the row, this was inspired by Stef, who died of motor neurone disease aged 27, the same disease that killed his mother when we were 16.

inspiration

Stef was one of my oldest friends and teammates. The strength he faced his diagnosis with made me to believe anything is possible. The Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge is by far my biggest challenge to date logistically, physically and psychologically. Partnering with the My Name’5 Doddie foundation to take on such a mammoth task is an opportunity to bring together my personal connection to MND and the rugby family whilst making a real difference to others lives.