Gloucester and Leicester to contest for Slater Cup

Gloucester Rugby and Leicester Tigers will compete for the Slater Cup from the 2022/23 season onwards.

Named after Ed Slater, who played for both Gloucester and Leicester, the teams will compete against each other twice every season.

Slater, who has played over 200 appearances for both the clubs combined was diagnosed with motor neurone disease early in the year following which he announced retirement.

The Slater Cup will kick-off at Mattioli Woods Welford Road Stadium on Christmas Eve before the two teams meet again on 12th March at Kingsholm Stadium.

“The support my family and I have received has been incredible; it’s not something we ever expected” said Slater.

“It’s a huge privilege for me and my family to see two great English clubs contest for a cup in my name. I put everything I had in to playing for both Leicester and Gloucester and I’m extremely proud to have represented both clubs.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the efforts so many people have gone to, whether it’s a 350+ mile cycle, a local charity raffle or the Slater Cup. It’s so important to me to ensure my family are taken care of but also, that we raise as much awareness as possible for MND, in the hope of finding treatment and a cure. I hope through the Slater Cup, those efforts to raise awareness can continue”