Leicester Tigers and Gloucester Rugby will compete for the Slater Cup from the 2022/23 league season onwards.
The Slater Cup, named after former Leicester and Gloucester lock Ed Slater, will be contested between the two teams every season across each home and away Gallagher Premiership fixture.
Slater made 136 appearances for Tigers in seven years, captaining the club during two seasons and was a member of the Premiership-winning 2012/13 campaign. He signed for Gloucester in 2017, making 90 appearances for the Cherry and Whites before retiring in June 2022, following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Gloucester Rugby and the Slater family established the ‘4Ed’ campaign; a platform designed to raise awareness of MND and generate funds for Ed’s family and his treatment. The campaign has raised over £214,000 thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts from the rugby community, including the inaugural 4Ed Cycle, which saw Ed and 10 teammates and friends cycle 350 miles across three days.
The Slater Cup will kick-off at Mattioli Woods Welford Road when Leicester Tigers take on Gloucester Rugby on Christmas Eve. 4Ed fundraising will take place throughout the ground, in both the fan and hospitality areas, and Ed will join the teams on the pitch to present the inaugural trophy.
Tickets are available now from the Tigers Ticket Office and online via LeicesterTigers.com.
Leicester Tigers are making 1,000 tickets available to local and Gloucestershire clubs for the December 24 fixture at a special groups price, as well as offering £5 adult and £2 junior cash back on each ticket directly to the 4Ed campaign.
Gloucester will host the Tigers in the return leg of the Slater Cup on Sunday, March 12 (1.00pm), with 5% from every ticket sold going directly to the 4Ed campaign. Those wishing to make a further donation can do so via the checkout page.
Tickets will be available on general sale from Monday, November 21 at GloucesterRugby.co.uk.
Speaking about the joint initiative, Slater said: “The support my family and I have received has been incredible; it’s not something we ever expected.”
“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.”
In additional support for Slater and the 4Ed campaign, Leicester Tigers Defence Coach Kevin Sinfield is this week taking on the Ultra 7 in 7 Challenge in a bid to raise £777,777.
The Ultra 7 in 7 will support five charities - including the 4Ed campaign - to help those affected by MND and invest in research into effective treatments and a cure.
Gloucester Rugby will also host a ‘4Ed’ gala dinner the weekend prior to the return leg of the Slater Cup, taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday, March 4. Details will be available soon from Gloucester Rugby.
