Eats
Wolfpack Lager has launched a limited edition rugby-inspired beer that’s raising money for motor neurone disease
It's been found that MND is 15 times more likely to occur in rugby players, so it's a fitting time of year to be raising awareness and funds for crucial research.
Danny Jones -
11th September 2023 
London-based brewer Wolfpack Lager has created a special new rugby-inspired beer that is helping raise money for motor neurone disease and you can find it at a select few pubs in and around Greater Manchester.
Wolfpack Brewing Co. has teamed up with Stonegate Group, who operate around 4,800 pubs throughout the UK, to launch the aptly named ‘Second Row IPA’ in support of players like former professional rugby union star Ed Slater.
Slater, like the late Doddie Weir and beloved MND champion Rob Burrow, was sadly diagnosed with the condition which affects the brain and nervous system back in July 2022, and played a key role in the second line alongside former teammates and co-founders, Al Hargreaves and Chris Wyles.
So, in an effort to help raise some money for the MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association) and awareness during this year’s Rugby World Cup, which kicked off last week, the pair have now released their brand new charitable beer across 400 different pubs — including several around our way.
With the crisp, floral ale with vibrant citrus notes being served right throughout the tournament and 20p of every pint sold going directly to the MNDA, Hargreaves, Wyles and all the Wolfpack team are hoping to raise lots of money for a crucial cause.
As Oldham’s very own Kevin Sinfield has often echoed, “MND isn’t incurable, it’s underfunded”, so opportunities like the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which can help bring the issue to the forefront as Sinfield, Burrows, Weir and so many others have done in recent years, are so important.
Co-founder and former rugby union star Hargreaves said in a statement: “We are incredibly proud to be launching Second Row IPA in partnership with Stonegate Pub Group. We’ve set ourselves an ambitious target of raising £10,000 through sales of the beer to support the MNDA – a cause very close to our hearts as ex-rugby players.
“Equally as importantly, we also want to raise awareness of the disease via this campaign and would encourage people to visit the MNDA website to learn more about why the fundraising is so vital.”
Read more:
- Bury FC facing fine and points deduction for allegedly fielding a player from another club
- Tyson Fury reveals he has received an offer to fight Jon Jones in the UFC — and wants to do it
- Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield unveil new children’s book named ‘With You Every Step’
As for the Stonegate pub chain, Chief Commercial Officer, Melissa Wisdom, added: “We are proud to partner with Wolfpack and stand with the rugby and MND community to launch Second Row IPA to raise both awareness and important funds in the fight against MND.
“We hope our guests really enjoy this beer and join us in supporting such an important cause.”
The Rugby World Cup ends on 28 October and you can try the brand-new Second Row Session IPA from any one these fine pubs between now and then, all of which are within or less than an hour from Greater Manchester:
- Barley Mow – Warrington
- Cross Keys Hotel – Knutsford
- Kings Tap – Cheadle Hulme
- Lord Eldon – Knutsford
- Old Roebuck – Altrincham
- Pride of the Peaks – New Mills
- Red Bull – Eccles
- White Lion – Disley
- Willow Tavern – Failsworth
Although not currently available to order on the website, hopefully you’ll be able to purchase some Second Row and keep helping the charity whilst enjoying a beer soon.
We’ll cheers to that.
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Featured Image — Supplied
