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Gloucestershire Business News

Rugby shirt boosts Ed Slater campaign

Gloucester Rugby has revealed a fresh interpretation of its playing strip - the Slater Cup shirt.

Designed by Ed Slater, his wife Jo and their three children Edie (8), Flo (7) and Frank (4), in partnership with Gloucester Rugby kit partner Oxen Sports, the shirt will be proudly worn by the Gloucester Rugby team when they face Leicester Tigers at the Slater Cup on Sunday March 12.

Ed was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in July 2022 and the shirt aims to raise awareness of the disease. Decorated with personal touches from Ed's three children, it will see action in round 20 of the Gallagher Premiership when Gloucester face Leicester Tigers at Kingsholm. The clash will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

A spokesman for Kingsholm said, "£10 from every shirt fans buy will go directly to the Slater family to aid Ed's treatment and adaptations to his home, while also providing valuable financial support to his young family in the toughest of circumstances.

Ed said: "It's really special. Having a shirt designed after you, for you, by your own kids, isn't something I'd ever thought about. It's humbling to know Gloucester, my teammates and friends, will be running out in that shirt with my number on the front. It means a huge amount.

"I'm very grateful to the Gloucester Rugby community for their support. It's a well-used cliché but it really is a special place; a 'proper' rugby club with an unbreakable, unique, spirit and unity that has given me so much."

The Slater Cup was established earlier this season and will be competed for between Gloucester Rugby and Leicester Tigers forever more as part of the regular Gallagher Premiership league season. Ed spent seven seasons at the Tigers before joining the Cherry & Whites in 2017. He made 90 appearances for the club before being forced to announce his retirement follow his MND diagnosis.

Leicester Tigers claimed victory in the first Slater Cup on 24 December 2022, beating Gloucester 28-13 at a packed out Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium. The return fixture, set for one week after the inaugural 4Ed dinner at Cheltenham Racecourse, is expected to see an equally impressive turnout from Gloucester fans – with £5 from every ticket sold going to the 4Ed campaign.

To preorder a shirt via the Elite Pro Sports website - click here.

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