Black Dog Round
A linked Sidestep initiative for men's mental health awareness, built around one round, one blacked-out kit, and a clear fundraising purpose.
The black dog is the quiet shadow too many men carry without saying enough. Black Dog Round is our way of dragging that conversation into the open, standing shoulder to shoulder, and making it normal to reach out before things get too heavy.
For one dedicated round, teams play in a fully blacked-out kit to raise awareness and funds for men's mental health. The point is visible, simple and hard to miss: if anyone is facing challenges, speak up. If someone around you goes quiet, check in. We are all brothers here, and we have lost too many good men to this illness.
Black Dog Round is different from the Sidestep Roasters coffee charity. It is a separate venture, but closely linked by the same belief that rugby communities should look after their own. Coffee supports the Sidestep community fund. Black Dog Round fundraisers support mental health services through Mind HK.
All proceeds from Black Dog Round fundraising go to Mind HK. Jersey sales, match-day donations, sponsor support and supporter contributions all help fund sessions for young people and adults experiencing depression or anxiety.
The tone is serious because the subject is serious. The delivery still feels like rugby: get the kit on, get everyone involved, bring partners, mates, families and supporters pitch side, and make the day count for someone who might need help more than they can say.