Richmond Rugby, in partnership with the The Richmond Heavies Foundation, is proud to announce a ground-breaking milestone of more than 1,000 cardiac screenings conducted since the initiative began in 2019.

The cardiac screening program, spearheaded by Geoff Lewis, a long-standing member of The Richmond Heavies Foundation, offers vital heart health checks to players aged 14 and above, extending all the way to veteran players in their 60s. For Geoff, this initiative is deeply personal—his commitment to cardiac health stems from the sudden loss of his brother to cardiomyopathy. His passion and dedication in conjunction with the clubs medical team led by Michelle Cuthbert have helped drive the success of the program, making Richmond Rugby a pioneer in player welfare and safety.

Cardiac screening is critically important. Every week, at least 12 apparently fit and healthy young people (aged 35 and under) in the UK die from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. In 80% of cases, there are no prior signs or symptoms, which is why proactive screening can save lives. While sport itself does not cause sudden cardiac death, it can exacerbate underlying conditions if they remain undetected. The Heavies Foundation’s proactive approach ensures that players have the best chance to identify and address any potential issues early.

"This milestone is a testament to the dedication of The Richmond Heavies Foundation and our commitment to the health and well-being of our players and we are delighted to have delivered over 1,000 screenings" said Geoff Lewis. "In our journey so far, we have identified 14 players with previously undetected cardiac issues. Thanks to early detection, these individuals were able to take the necessary steps—whether through lifestyle changes, medication, or surgery—to protect their health and prevent potential tragedy."
Since its inception, the Heavies Foundation’s cardiac screening program has become a cornerstone of Richmond Rugby’s broader player welfare strategy. Few clubs in the world offer such comprehensive and accessible screening services to all of their players young and old, reinforcing Richmond Rugby’s commitment to leading the way in player safety and well-being.

This achievement reflects not only the hard work of those involved in the screenings but also the unwavering support of the wider Richmond Rugby community, supporting fundraising activities and volunteering to help at Foundation events. The club hopes that this milestone will provide a blueprint for other clubs to follow suit in prioritising cardiac health and screening for their players.

As Richmond Rugby continues to prioritise the health of its players, the club is looking forward to further expanding its health and safety initiatives. The Richmond Heavies Foundation plans to continue offering regular screenings and raising awareness of cardiac health across the rugby community.