Tomorrow’s clash with Havant Dolphins is more than just another league fixture. It marks our dedicated Blackout the Stigma matchday, a moment for the whole club to come together behind a message that extends far beyond rugby.

Earlier this season, Petersfield RFC unveiled the Blackout the Stigma away kit in partnership with leading rugby mental health charity LooseHeadz. What began as a kit launch has quickly grown into something far more meaningful, becoming a central part of the club’s identity both on and off the pitch.

The message behind it remains as important now as it did on day one.

Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK or Ireland dies by suicide. Nearly three quarters of those deaths are men, making it the single biggest killer of men under 50. Rugby is a sport built on toughness and resilience, but when it comes to mental health, too often those conversations are left unsaid. At Petersfield RFC, we are determined to play our part in changing that.

The decision to make this an away kit was deliberate. Every time the 1st XV travel this season, the message travels with them. Tomorrow, that message returns home. Penns Place becomes the stage for Blackout the Stigma, as players, supporters and the wider club stand together to raise awareness and encourage conversation.

The design reflects that intent. The shirt is completely blacked out, with the Petersfield crest, Gilbert logo and sponsors sitting in a subtle dark grey. At the centre of it all sits the LooseHeadz logo in white, standing proudly as the focal point of the kit and the message behind it.

Since its release, the response has been outstanding. What started with the playing kit has now grown into something the whole club can be part of. Supporters shirts are now available, giving everyone the opportunity to wear the message and show their support. Crucially, 50 percent of the profit from every supporters shirt goes directly to LooseHeadz, helping fund their ongoing work in rugby clubs across the world.

You can still order your supporters shirt here, with pre orders open until Monday.

LooseHeadz itself continues to lead the way in tackling the stigma around mental health in rugby. Through their foundation, they place mental health leads into clubs at every level of the game, providing real support and creating environments where players feel able to speak openly. Their ambition is simple but powerful, to ensure that no one in rugby feels they have to struggle in silence.

At Petersfield RFC, that commitment is reflected within our own environment. Our Mental Health Lead is Chase Thomas, who is available to anyone at the club who feels they need a conversation, support, or simply someone to listen. That presence is an important step in making sure support is not just spoken about, but genuinely accessible.

As part of tomorrow’s matchday, there will be opportunities to get involved and support the cause. During the pre match lunch, we will be running a Heads and Tails competition, with all proceeds going towards the campaign. You will also find a QR code displayed on the digital screens around the clubhouse, giving you the chance to donate directly and support a fantastic cause.

This campaign is not a one off moment. It is something we are building into the fabric of the club. Tomorrow is another step in that journey.

Because at its heart, Blackout the Stigma is not about a shirt.