Sandbach Rugby Club's Mike Grapes was nominated for 'The LooseHead of the Year' in the LooseHeadz Community Awards 2025

The awards are organised by rugby mental health charity, LooseHeadz. LooseHeadz aims to place a mental health lead in every rugby club around the world and help to tackle the stigma around mental health.

They have over 1200 clubs in twenty-eight different countries signed up and are building a community, united around a shared mission, to help turn the tide against poor mental health. 

Mike is a player at Sandbach Rugby Club in Bradwall Road and an Under 12s coach and a sponsor for the Under 12s team through his business Mike Grapes Building Services.

Mike is a player at Sandbach Rugby Club in Bradwall Road. (Photo: Sandbach RUFC)

He was instrumental in setting up the now annual fixture between Sandbach and LooseHeadz. The first fixture took place in August 2024 and the second was held this summer.

 After the inaugural 'Bradley Peace Memorial Cup' between Sandbach and LooseHeadz, Mike said that he planned to "build on the momentum" of the fixture and he did that by arranging a special family friendly day.

Mike was instrumental in setting up the now annual fixture between Sandbach and LooseHeadz. (Photo: Sandbach RUFC)

It included two rugby matches, bouncy castles and hospitality, with a focus on the amazing work that LooseHeadz do to tackle mental health in rugby.

This year's event kicked off with Sandbach Sabres taking on LooseHeadz Women XV. Following the women's match was the Bradley Peace Memorial Cup match between Sandbach Social XV and LooseHeadz XV - together the teams raised an £2,538 for LooseHeadz to help them continue their work.

The 'Bradley Peace Memorial Cup' is named in memory of Mike's brother Bradley, who tragically took his own life two years ago.

Discussing his involvement with LooseHeadz, Mike said: "My brother was twenty-seven when he took his own life. Once the lads found out, the support was overwhelming and really helped me mentally.

"I wanted to take something positive from such a tough situation, and linking up with LooseHeadz has been incredible.

"It's helped spread the message that there's always a better option and made sure every player at Sandbach knows they're never alone, all the while keeping my brother's memory alive."

Sandbach Rugby Club extend their heartfelt congratulations to Mike on his well-deserved nomination and thank him for all his hard work and perseverance in promoting mental health awareness throughout the club.

(Photo: Sandbach RUFC)

Paul Jackson, Sandbach's chairman, said: "At Sandbach we aim to support rugby at all levels and those that are part of the rugby family.

"It's fantastic to see one of our own nominated for his efforts to go above and beyond to help others and set an example to us all. Congratulations on your nomination from the club."

Commenting on the nomination, Sandbach's director of rugby Andrew Bird said: "We are delighted to see the recognition nationally for Mike's continuous work towards raising the profile of mental health within our game.

"We are firm believers at Sandbach that 'better people are better players' and this is real life example of this belief. Well done Mike for being nominated. We are super proud of you and all you do for Sandbach RUFC."

Mike was pipped to the award of LooseHead of the Year on the night by Jonny Cartwright, aka @the_bald_ref on Instagram.

Johnny is part of MADREFS, the Manchester & District Rugby Union Referees' Society and Lymm RFC. He helped to officiate a joint training session between Sandbach and Stoke RUFC in the summer.

Jonny was one of the referees involved in the "Longest Game" in June. This world record breaking game was organised by LooseHeadz and Wooden Spoon, raising money for both charities.

Nominations for 'The LooseHead of the Year'

Rachel Massey (Chester)

Jonny Cartwright (MAD Refs)

Bryan Pitman (Brixham)

Paul Gibbon (Sale FC)

Emma Finch (Sidmouth)

Mike Grapes (Sandbach RUFC)

Connor Ryan (Trafford MV)

Jen Skingsley (Colchester Kings / Thunder)

Winner - Jonny Cartwright (MAD Refs)